Agony and still no justice for abducted human rights activist- ZLHR

ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has reiterated its stand in solidarity with the Itai Dzamara family, friends and other peace loving
Zimbabweans that are agonising over the continued disappearance and failureto account for the whereabouts of the pro-democracy campaigner, who has been missing for a period of one year.

"Itai, a father of two children was abducted by some unidentified men from a barber-shop near his home in Glen Norah at around 11:00 hours on 9 March 2015 for yet to be established motives. The unmarked vehicle used during his abduction has been identified as a white Nissan Hardbody," said ZLHR in a statement.

"On Wednesday 09 March 2016, which is the one-year anniversary of his disappearance, we send our message of support to Sheffra, Itai's wife, her
children and family. We stand in support of all other Zimbabweans including Paul Chizuze and Patrick Nabanyana, who remain missing since they were abducted and disappeared in 2000 and 2012."

ZLHR said it remembers with gratitude the values that Itai, Paul and Patrick stood for, the years and commitment they invested in the pursuit of
freedom, democracy, justice and peace in Zimbabwe.

"Although the cry to "Bring Back Itai" remains a national and worldwide cause, it is saddening to note that while in March 2015, High Court Judge
Justice David Mangota issued an order directing authorities to investigate, establish his whereabouts and update his family and lawyers on progress, this has not been fully complied with,"ZLHR said.

"ZLHR remains very concerned that probe reports submitted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police as ordered by the High Court in March 2015 show very little progress if at all."

ZLHR said it condemns the lack of progress made in investigating the human rights violations highlighted by the abduction and enforced disappearance of Itai, Paul and Patrick and in punishing those responsible.

"Those responsible for disappearing these citizens have committed a heinous crime under international law. We cannot imagine the full extent of the
horrors they have endured. But as an organisation committed to fostering a culture of human rights, please know this: we will never forget you. We
will always stand with you. Today and everyday, we call on Zimbabwean authorities to do more to bring the missing persons home," said ZLHR.

"So traumatising is the painful reality that the government and all the powerful State security organs cannot account for the whereabouts of Itai,
Paul and Patrick. The situation of these people is not only disheartening but also shocking as they remain unaccounted for several years after they
were disappeared.

Perpetrators of abductions and enforced disappearances must understand that abduction and holding people incommunicado is an outdated, inhumane, and ultimately ineffective practice that ruins the lives of innocent people."

The organisation said as social justice sympathisers we call upon all people to challenge the forces creating an unacceptable and unwarranted
environment for fear and impunity to flourish in Zimbabwe.

"As a people who care about humanity and security, we must come together to stop the callous practice of abduction and enforced disappearance. On its part, ZLHR will continue confronting perpetrators of enforced disappearances and torture through litigation and other means to end this
barbaric practice,"ZLHR said.

"ZLHR urges the government to ratify, domesticate and implement provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Protection of all Persons from
Enforced Disappearances and the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its Protocol."