International human rights groups call for rights upholding in Zimbabwe

The International Service for Human Rights and Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights has called on the Government of Zimbabwe to improve the
situation of human rights defenders.

Speaking during the Human Rights Council 34th session Pooja Patel  said they remain concerned by the continued targeting of human rights defenders by State actors.

"Hundreds of defenders currently face prosecution following their arrest for exercising their rights to freedom of assembly and association between
May and November 2016," he said.

"These trials are ongoing. We call on the Government to ensure the finalisation of these trials without further delay. We note that the Zimbabwean Government is in the process of drafting a Cyber Crimes Bill which, if passed, will further curtail the right to freedom of expression and privacy; and will further impede the work of defenders. Further, defenders' right to freedom of association remains under serious threat due to the imposition of additional legal  requirements, such as a memorandum of associations in communities."

He said whilst they are encouraged by commitments made by the Zimbabwean Government to date, building on the recommendations accepted by the Government during its review last November 2016, they urge the authorities to: Review all legislation to ensure full compliance with international
obligations, particularly regarding the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, including but not limited to the Cyber Crimes
Bill, the Public Order and Security Act, and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

"Respect and uphold the Constitutional compatibly with international human rights law, guarantee and safeguard the independence of the judiciary, and support other institutions that play a vital role in protecting human rights," he said.

"Commit to ratifying the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, as well as its optional
Protocol. Immediately ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.  Implement programs to promote and disseminate the UN Declaration on human Rights Defenders, and adopt  national legislation for its effective implementation."

He said the issue standing invitations to the special procedures, particularly the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders.