Zimbabwe lawyers call for end of violence

ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has joined Zimbabweans and the rest of the world in commemorating the United Nations International Day of Peace on 21 September under the theme "The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace"

The organisations further called for end to government sponsored violence.

"Regrettably this year, International Day of Peace is observed at a time when there is a rapid erosion of fundamental rights and freedoms. Since January 2016, violations of the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, arbitrary arrests and malicious prosecutions have continued unabated," said the ZLHR.

"ZLHR unreservedly condemns the violent attacks on ordinary citizens and HRDs, the destruction of property during protests. All citizens - state and non-state actors - have the duty to respect, promote and protect all human rights provisions in the Constitution, as well as other human rights instruments at the African Union and United Nations level that Zimbabwe has ratified. At this time, it is also critical for all citizens, state institutions to embrace the national objectives of national unity, peace and stability as provided in section 10 of the Constitution."

The human rights lawyers said violence, in any form, and by any member of our society violates section 52 (a) of the Constitution which guarantees the right of every person to freedom from all forms of violence from public and private sources. Violence must be condemned by all law abiding and peace loving citizens of Zimbabwe.

"Recently, there have been high incidence of impunity, with increased incidences of police brutality against peaceful protesters. The indiscriminate firing of live ammunition, teargas canisters against peaceful protestors must be condemned at the highest level," ZLHR.

"-Whilst the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has the Constitutional obligation of maintaining law and order, preserving the internal security, protecting and securing the lives and property of people, ZLHR calls upon the ZRP to exercise restraint. The ZRP must maintain professionalism, respect and protect fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens ensure that its members do not act in a partisan manner."

The ZLHR said the operationalisation of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) remains outstanding three years after adoption of the Constitution.

"The NPRC is yet to discharge its mandate of preventing conflict and promoting peace, dealing with the past and bring Zimbabweans closer together," ZLHR said.

ZLHR appealed to all arms of government to uphold the concept of separation of powers, and to all peace loving Zimbabweans to build peace blocks through ending violence and fostering a culture of human rights.