Amnesty International Zimbabwe is calling out the government for failing to uphold basic human rights, particularly regarding healthcare and free speech.
Lucia Masuka, the Executive Director of Amnesty International Zimbabwe, spoke at the local launch of the State of the World’s Human Rights report. She criticized the government’s inadequate response to the recent cholera outbreak.
“The government failed to provide citizens with clean and safe water, as well as improve sanitary infrastructure in urban areas, thereby violating the right to health,” Masuka said.
Zimbabwe’s constitution, Section 77 specifically, guarantees citizens access to “safe, clean and potable water.” Masuka pointed out that the government neglected its constitutional duty, with certain areas, especially older suburbs, facing severe water shortages, putting public health at risk.
Vongai Chikwanda, the Amnesty International regional director, participated virtually in the conference. She raised concerns about the suppression of free speech during the recent elections.
“Abductions and arrests of opposition activists violated the freedom of expression enshrined in Section 61 of the 2013 Constitution,” Chikwanda said.
This section protects the right to express oneself, access information, and engage in academic freedom, artistic expression, scientific research, and creativity.
Amnesty International’s findings of free speech violations during the elections highlight a larger pattern of human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. The organization demands immediate action from the government to address these issues and ensure the protection of human rights for all Zimbabweans.
