Human rights conditions have deteriorated markedly in Zimbabwe over the last few months, Human Rights Watch said in a new briefing paper published today.
The briefing paper, "Under a Shadow: Civil and Political Rights in Zimbabwe," details the government's policy of repression and the harassment of opposition party members by state institutions and supporters of the ruling party. The direct involvement of ranking government officials and state security forces marks a new and worrisome trend in Zimbabwe's ongoing political crisis.
"Not only have the army and police personnel failed to protect people from human rights abuses, but they are now carrying out abuses themselves," said Peter Takirambudde, executive director of the Africa Division at Human Rights Watch. "In addition, recent legislation has drastically curtailed citizens' rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association."
Zimbabwe's main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), led a workplace stayaway from June 2-6 to protest declining economic and political conditions and force the resignation of President Mugabe. Public demonstrations and a protest march, which are illegal under the 2002 Public Order and Security Act, were dismantled by state security forces in Harare.
On March 18 and 19, a similar general strike resulted in the arrest of more than 400 citizens and a severe government backlash against political activity. The MDC was prevented from undertaking normal campaign activities in the run-up to two parliamentary by-elections, and party activists were harassed, detained and beaten.
The political violence prevalent in rural areas since 2000 has now become common in urban centers, and non-political actors such as civic organizations and church leaders are increasingly targeted. The majority of the violence in recent months has been committed by state security forces and youth militias.
"Systematic arbitrary arrests and other abuses of dissidents' human rights violates Zimbabwe's obligations under international law," said Takirambudde. "The government must end the culture of impunity before human rights conditions decline further."
Human Rights Watch called on the government of Zimbabwe to reestablish the rule of law, disband youth militia, withdraw military personnel from residential areas, and revise legislation that are contrary to international human rights law. All sides are urged to promote a climate of tolerance and mutual respect for differing political opinions.
