News / National
Militarization of food distribution irks ZPP
01 Jul 2016 at 05:30hrs | Views
The alleged militarisation of the distribution of food aid has irked the Zimbabwe Peace Project amid revelations the soldiers are now being used as an intimidation tool to force people to support the ruling Zanu PF through denying them food aid if they do not belong to the ruling party.
In its May 2016 report, ZPP said there is a disturbing trend of the involvement of the military in the distribution of food aid.
The organisation said there is a danger that food aid can be used as a non-lethal weapon designed "to win the hearts and minds of the starving citizens" ahead of the 2018 elections.
It has been observed in other humanitarian emergencies that military-led humanitarian and development activities are often driven by political interests and short-term security objectives which are often ineffective, wasteful and potentially harmful to citizens.
"The presence of the military at food distribution points instills fear in citizens and has the potential to compromise the core humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality," said ZPP.
"Blurring the lines between humanitarian and military actors can compromise neutrality and independence as well as restrict humanitarian access.
International best practice notes that the military should be requested only where there is no comparable civilian alternative and in cases where only the use of military assets can meet a critical humanitarian need.
Section 213 of the Zimbabwean Constitution provides for the deployment of the military in emergency or disaster situations."
The organisation said in as much as it is acknowledged that the military can play a legitimate and at times vital role in supporting humanitarian relief efforts, its involvement should be in line with core humanitarian principles of neutrality and independence.
"The distribution of food and other forms of aid should be driven by humanitarian needs and not by political imperatives," said ZPP.
In its May 2016 report, ZPP said there is a disturbing trend of the involvement of the military in the distribution of food aid.
The organisation said there is a danger that food aid can be used as a non-lethal weapon designed "to win the hearts and minds of the starving citizens" ahead of the 2018 elections.
It has been observed in other humanitarian emergencies that military-led humanitarian and development activities are often driven by political interests and short-term security objectives which are often ineffective, wasteful and potentially harmful to citizens.
"The presence of the military at food distribution points instills fear in citizens and has the potential to compromise the core humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality," said ZPP.
"Blurring the lines between humanitarian and military actors can compromise neutrality and independence as well as restrict humanitarian access.
International best practice notes that the military should be requested only where there is no comparable civilian alternative and in cases where only the use of military assets can meet a critical humanitarian need.
Section 213 of the Zimbabwean Constitution provides for the deployment of the military in emergency or disaster situations."
The organisation said in as much as it is acknowledged that the military can play a legitimate and at times vital role in supporting humanitarian relief efforts, its involvement should be in line with core humanitarian principles of neutrality and independence.
"The distribution of food and other forms of aid should be driven by humanitarian needs and not by political imperatives," said ZPP.
Source - Byo24News
