16 cases of human right violations recorded in a month

Heal Zimbabwe has recorded a total of 16 cases of human rights violations from 9 districts between the 20th of August and the 15th of September 2017.

HZT said it recorded four different categories of human rights violations that include Intimidation (with threats of violence or threats of withdrawal of food aid or agricultural inputs), forced participation (in political meetings, Financial or material contributions), arson and assault.

"The organisation observed that Intimidation recorded the highest number of cases in this reported period with 68.75% (11 cases), followed by forced attendance to political gatherings recording 18.75% (3 cases), arson which recorded 6.25% (1 case) and assault which recorded 6.25% (1 case)," said HZT.

"Heal Zimbabwe observed that the recorded human rights violations are mainly centred on (i) ZANU PF restructuring exercises within local communities, (ii) the hype behind the recently announced Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) process which was rolled out in local communities beginning on the 18th of September 2017 and (iii) the ongoing countrywide Presidential youth interface rallies, the latest being in Bindura."

Heal Zimbabwe said it notes with great concern the continued prevalence of human rights violations linked to intimidation in local communities.

"The organisation perceives intimidation as a barrier towards the realisation of peace in Zimbabwe and a stumbling block to the attainment of a democratic society as provided for in the Constitution. HZT continues to call for peace and tolerance ahead of the 2018 elections," said HZT.