On International Human Rights Day, Heal Zimbabwe Trust (HZT) raised urgent concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in Zimbabwe.
HZT is a local non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to promoting peace, reconciliation, and the protection of human rights in the country.
Commemorated on Tuesday, under the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” the day comes as Zimbabwe grapples with political repression, socioeconomic hardships, and systemic failures in safeguarding human rights.
“Eleven years after adopting a progressive Bill of Rights, basic freedoms remain unattainable for the majority of Zimbabweans,” the organization stated in a statement seen by this publication.
Political and civil liberties are increasingly restricted, with citizens facing arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention, and political violence.
The crackdown ahead of the 2024 SADC Heads of State Summit serves as a glaring example. Over 120 people were detained during this period on what HZT described as “frivolous charges” designed to stifle dissent.
One notable case is that of Tambudzai Makokoro, arrested in June for attending a gathering celebrating the Day of the African Child.
Makokoro has spent 177 days in pretrial detention, barred even from attending her son’s funeral.
“Tambudzai’s case reveals a justice system that fails to uphold fairness and dignity,” HZT noted.
Beyond political oppression, Zimbabwe’s socioeconomic challenges exacerbate human rights violations.
With over 4.4 million people living below the extreme poverty line of $1.90 a day, access to necessities such as education, food, and clean water remains a struggle.
Despite constitutional guarantees for free primary education, 22.3% of school-age children are out of school, according to the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee.
Additionally, political bias continues to influence food aid distribution, leaving opposition supporters vulnerable.
“The state’s demolition campaigns have left hundreds homeless, with no alternative shelter provided,” HZT added.
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, mandated to protect citizens, is underfunded and ineffective. Its $4.9 million budget for 2025 is insufficient to address the growing human rights challenges.
“Independent institutions must be strengthened to ensure justice and accountability,” HZT highlighted.
HZT is urging urgent reforms, including fair law enforcement, protection of socioeconomic rights, and an end to political repression.
“This day reminds us that respecting human rights is essential for building a peaceful and just society,” HZT added.
