28 human rights violations recorded in 18 districts

Heal Zimbabwe Trust has reported that it has recorded a total of 28 human rights violations from 18 districts from the 27th of June to the 7th of July 2017.

The trust said it recorded human rights violations that fall into 6 categories that include intimidation with threats of violence, threats of withdrawal of food aid or agricultural inputs, forced participation (in political meetings, Financial or material contributions), unfair food aid distribution, arson and assault.

"Cases of intimidation in local communities are on a rise recording 57.1% (16 cases) compared to the previous week where 48% was recorded (13 cases). Forced participation or contribution in political party activities seconds the list of the most violations recording 25% (7 cases), followed by unfair distribution of food aid recorded at 7.1% (2 cases)," said the trust.

"Arson, assault and threats of withdrawal of food aid recorded 3.6% each (3 cases). Heal Zimbabwe observed that both intimidation and forced participation or contributions top the list of human rights violations recorded in the past week."

The trust said this is a testament of the state of the political environment in most rural communities as the nation approaches the 2018 elections.

"Such flashes of human rights violations is an indication of more violations to come as the plebiscite draws closer. Most cases of intimidation were recorded in Chiwundura Constituency which conducted a by election on 15 July amid little competition from the opposition parties," said the trust.

"The above distribution of violations indicate that 18 districts recorded at least one case of human rights violations during the period under review. Intimidation recorded a total of 16 cases from 12 Districts save for Gokwe South, Chegutu, Zvimba and Bindura. Forced 3 contributions registered a total of 7 cases which were recorded in Gutu, Chiwundura, Bindura, Muzarabani, Gokwe South and Nyanga. Heal Zimbabwe also noted that 99% of the violations were largely committed by people who identified themselves as ZANU PF activists and sympathisers who include ZANU PF ward chairpersons, war veterans, local councillors, village heads and youths."

Heal Zimbabwe said it observes that the recurrence of intimidation in local communities is an early warning indicator of possible violence ahead of the 2018 elections.

"The organisation is concerned with the rise in cases of both covert and overt violence cases in recent weeks. Violence as usual compromises communities' free participation in civic and other democratic processes such as elections," said the trust.