By Lloyd Takawira
The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) has implored government to stop human rights violations in it’s World Peace Day commemoration message.
The human rights monitoring body said Zimbabwe had failed at achieving a peaceful democracy .
ZPP added that it’s widespread engagement with communities have shown a dejected society with no peace.
“ZPP held nationwide interviews & Zimbabweans expressed desire for a ZW free of abductions, torture & violence, a ZW where those in power uphold the Constitution & respect human rights, & a ZW where govt works to ensure everyone enjoys a thriving economy & equal opportunities.”
Zimbabwe Peace Project said 2020 , has been a difficult year for Zimbabweans as government became the chief instigators of disharmony and disruptive tendencies.
“Sadly, 2020 , while the Zimbabwean govt was supposed to foster unity, rallying all in the fight against the common enemy – COVID-19 -, it used this period to unleash terror on citizens who dared speak out. Since April the State embarked on an orgy of repression, cracking down on human rights actors and political activists and crushing dissenting voicesThe ZPP has recorded the State as being the major perpetrator of human rights violations from April to August and the nature of the violations has largely been harassment, intimidation, assault, arbitrary & unlawful arrests, among others.”
The celebratory message reminiscent of the Pastoral letter by the Catholic Bishops recently said the government should mend it’s ways and unite the people.
“To the govt of Zimbabwe
Abductions, torture, harassment, intimidation, arbitrary and unlawful arrests have no place in an aspiring democracy and in this modern society. As a govt charged with the responsibility over the people of Zimbabwe, please respect the Constitution and ensure that all Zimbabweans enjoy their rights as enshrined in the Constitution, in addition to understanding that human rights actors and political activists are not enemies, but have an important, and justifiably Constitutional role in advocating for accountability.”
Zimbabwe Peace Project further implored the government to initiate dialogue among the people.
“Government should ensure there is inclusive, genuine dialogue on the issues affecting Zimbabwe. Only through this can we find ourselves as a nation as we will have a chance to deal with all the long-standing issues emanating from past and present phases of conflict”.
Today the world celebrates “International Day of Peace” a day set aside to celebrate peace.
The day comes when the world is struggling with the deadly coronavirus pandemic. Repressive and authoritarian ruled nations have been accused of orchestrating violence against citizens under the cover of Covid-19 lockdown measures.
