Zimbabwe records surge in human rights violations, says NGO

A staggering 180,184 human rights violations were reported across Zimbabwe in October 2024, affecting nearly 2,000 victims, according to a new report from the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP). The report highlights a worrying increase in violence, intimidation, and discrimination, particularly within the context of food aid distribution and political repression.

The ZPP's findings revealed that threats of violence were the most frequently recorded violation, accounting for 74 incidents. Other significant violations included nine cases of assault, 13 instances of unfair food aid distribution, and 12 reports of malicious damage to property. The report also documented 17 violations related to restrictions on the freedom of assembly and 22 incidents curbing the right to freedom of expression.

The report detailed a range of violations that severely impacted citizens' rights, including one case of abduction, one unjustified arrest, one instance of torture, two forced displacements, and nine violations involving inhuman treatment.

In terms of gender, women were disproportionately affected, comprising 787 of the victims, including three women with disabilities. Men made up 1,204 victims, with two of them also identified as persons with disabilities.

The report pointed to perpetrators affiliated with the ruling Zanu-PF party, who were responsible for nearly half (48.47%) of the documented violations. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) was implicated in 23.01% of the cases, further underscoring concerns over the politicisation of state institutions.

A key area of concern raised by the ZPP was the politicisation of food aid distribution. The report detailed instances where individuals were coerced into supporting the ruling party in exchange for access to essential assistance. In one case, in Buhera South, a village head, Ernest Muzokomba, and a local councillor, Denmore Maweni, threatened a victim for publicly criticizing the distribution of food aid. The victim, who had expressed concerns on Change Radio, was threatened with exclusion from government-sponsored aid programs.

ZPP also expressed alarm over the recent demolition of 30 homes in Ridgeview, Belvedere, Harare, highlighting serious violations of the right to adequate housing. The demolitions left 30 households homeless, exposing them to harsh weather conditions and triggering public outrage over the lack of protection against arbitrary evictions.

The report called for immediate intervention from the government and relevant institutions, urging the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) to investigate the violations and take action against those responsible. The ZPP stressed the need for public officials to adhere to principles of administrative justice and respect for human rights.

Attempts to reach Farai Marapira, the director of communication for Zanu-PF, for comment were unsuccessful as he is reportedly out of the country. Similarly, efforts to contact National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi were thwarted as his phone remained unreachable.

As Zimbabwe grapples with these increasing violations, the ZPP's report underscores the urgent need for robust human rights protections and accountability within the country.