Today countries across the world are celebrating Human Rights Day, the anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly's adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on 10 December 1948.

The term "human rights" refers to the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled. They include civil and political rights, such as the right to life and liberty, freedom of expression and equality before the law. They also include social, cultural and economic rights, including the right to food, work, education and culture.

In Zimbabwe, these basic rights and freedoms have not only been denied to the people under the Mugabe regime, but the level of repression, state-sponsored violence and subversion of the ends of justice has reached unprecedented proportions.

During recent weeks, the cholera epidemic, symptomatic of a gravely failed state, has claimed the lives of around 600 people, although aid agencies believe it could be significantly higher. The head of the UN Children's Fund in Zimbabwe reports that the number of cholera cases could rise to 60 000 in the coming weeks.

Despite escalating levels of starvation countrywide, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has only managed to raise enough money to feed 3.7 million Zimbabweans instead of the 4.2 million in dire need of food aid. In January, this number will have soared to over 5.1 million.

Despite the massive humanitarian crisis, the Global Political Agreement signed by Zimbabwean leaders on 15 September, has brought no relief and the power-sharing stand-off continues. The Mugabe regime remains intent on retaining power through control of the armed forces, its traditional power base.

Politically motivated violence, perpetrated by the ruling party against opposition members and supporters continues, with widespread reports of torture, looting, assault, abductions and rape.

At the end of November, Jestina Mukoko, executive director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP), warned they had received reports that some of the regime's 2000 militia bases, many used as torture bases, were being remanned. Ms Mukoko was abducted from her home on Wednesday 3 December by plain clothed security agents, believed to be members of the Central Intelligence Organisation, and is still missing. On 8 December, two additional ZPP officers were abducted.

The ZPP, which has played a crucial role in monitoring and documenting politically motivated violence, reported 750 incidents of harassment and intimidation, mainly against MDC loyalists, during September, 323 more than in August. The ZPP has been building an archive of crimes that could be crucial in prosecuting perpetrators of human rights abuses in the future.

The Role of Zimbabwe Inclusive Government Watch

Zimbabwe Inclusive Government Watch is tracking articles and reports which provide examples of violations of the agreement between the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (Zanu PF) and the two Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Formations.

Signed on 15 September in Harare, the agreement comprises 25 "Articles" and lists the points of agreement reached under each.

Commitments made in the preamble include:

• Dedicating ourselves to putting our people and the country first by arresting the fall in living standards and reversing the decline of the economy.
• Building a society free of violence, intimidation, hatred, patronage, corruption and founded on justice, fairness, openness, transparency, dignity and equality.

The examples we have selected for this issue demonstrate the ongoing, flagrant violations of the agreement by Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF. The regime has also capitalised on flaws in the agreement, notably the fact that it did not specify who would draft Constitution Amendment No. 19, which was subsequently drafted without consultation by Zanu PF.

Detailed breakdown of breaches on the Global Political Agreement, by clauses per article, available at www.sokwanele.com/zigwatch

Zimbabwe says drafting law on unity government
Reuters: 18/11/2008

Zanu PF government says it will go ahead to draft a constitutional amendment and form a cabinet despite disagreement of the MDC parties to the negotiations. The MDC resolved not to endorse the inclusive government document until all the outstanding issues had been agreed by all parties.

Bill Watch 46 of 21st November 08
Veritas: 21/11/2008

Veritas respond to Sikhanyiso Ndlovu’s claim that “A Bill cannot go to Parliament if it is not approved by Cabinet" and that the new constitution would have to be presented and steered through Parliament by the new MDC-T Minister responsible for constitutional affairs. Veritas note that "there is no constitutional or legal requirement for prior Cabinet approval of a Bill before it goes to Parliament". They point out that "According to the Constitution [Schedule 4, paragraph 1] “any member of Parliament may introduce any Bill” [subject to a further provision stating that only a Vice-President, Minister or Deputy Minister can introduce “a money Bill” into Parliament]. Veritas also note that the "GPA specifies only one Ministerial appointment before the introduction of Constitution Amendment No. 19. Article 20.1.3 (j): [The President] “shall pursuant to this agreement, appoint the Prime Minister pending the enactment of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No 19.” They conclude, "If Zanu PF stick to this line – that the Ministers and Cabinet have to be appointed before the Bill is taken to Parliament – it would lead to another impasse”.

Robert Mugabe demands right to cancel Zimbabwe power-sharing deal
Telegraph, The (UK): 25/11/2008

According to a copy of Zanu-PF party's draft of the constitutional amendment, obtained by The Telegraph, section 5 of clause 115 of the new constitution, as proposed by Zanu-PF, states that any deal could be cancelled if "the President is satisfied that the circumstances are such that the continuance of the Interparty Political Agreement is no longer possible for any reason." Mr Mugabe would simply have to issue a proclamation and all the changes brought in by power-sharing would be cancelled, including Morgan Tsvangirai's prime ministership, with the country reverting to an executive presidency. The Telegraph also reported that the MDC was also attempting to put its own spin on the constitutional changes. In its proposal it effectively seeks to re-open the power-sharing negotiations by increasing the authority of the Council of Ministers, which will be made up of all the cabinet members, the prime minister and his deputies, but exclude the president: Mr Mugabe. "The Cabinet, and every member thereof, shall comply with any directions or recommendations given to it or him, as the case may be, by the Council of Ministers". Analysts who have compared the two drafts say they are so far apart that agreement is highly unlikely. "It will take a miracle," said one.

MDC formally rejects SADC proposal
Zimbabwe Times, The (ZW): 14/11/2008

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has formally rejected a recent ruling by regional leaders that compelled both Zanu PF and the MDC to share responsibility over the Ministry of Home Affairs and form an all inclusive government forthwith. An SADC Heads of States Extra Ordinary Summit held on November 9th rubber-stamped an earlier ruling by its Organ on Politics, Defence and Security in Harare last month that the rival parties must jointly control the Home Affairs Ministry. But the MDC says SADC continues to ignore its principal concerns by focusing on the Home Affairs Ministry, when it is only one of the issues that have stalled the controversial September 15 agreement. MDC Deputy President Thokozani Khupe told journalists that her party has resolved not to participate in any new government until all its concerns have been addressed.

Ndlovu bans coverage of PF-Zapu revival
Zimbabwe Times, The (ZW): 11/11/2008

Current 'Minister of Information' imposes censorship on information concerning reformation of ZAPU, the political group absorbed by Zanu PF in 1987 unity agreement but now planning to break away from Zanu PF. Reporters state they wished to present balanced coverage but the 'minister' refused.

Police ban MDC rallies because of cholera
Zimbabwe Times, The (ZW): 21/11/2008

Police in Harare have barred the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) from holding two rallies that were scheduled for this weekend. They cited the outbreak of the deadly cholera disease in the capital city and an alleged failure by the MDC to provide the police with stationery.

Military warn ZCTU over protests
Zimbabwe Times, The (ZW): 02/12/2008

Zimbabwe’s security forces vowed Tuesday night (2nd December) to crush against demonstrations planned for Wednesday against the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has called for peaceful protests against debilitating limits on bank withdrawals. The Zimbabwe Defence Forces, which include the army, air force and the police, gave warning that the military would not be an idle observer during the mass action planned by the ZCTU and other key civil society organisations.

Civic leaders arrested in Zimbabwe
SW Radio Africa (ZW): 03/12/2008

Riot police have used force to break up peaceful protests by the ZCTU in Harare (3 December). They have also clamped down hard on another demonstration by doctors and nurses. Various abductions have also been reported. Jestina Mukoko, a former ZBC television personality and director of the human rights group the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP), was abducted from her house in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) Secretary General Raymond Majongwe and six others have been arrested. An SABC correspondent is also reported to have been briefly detained. The Congress of South African Trade Unions have confirmed that Enock Paradzayi, a Coordinator with the PTUZ, was picked up by Central Intelligence Operatives. So was Wellington Chibebe (Secretary General) and Lovemore Matombo (President), Tonderai Nyahunzvi, Canwell Muchadya, Hillarious Ruyi, Cde Tarumbira and Joseph Chuma. Ten people in Harare were heavily assaulted by the police. In Gweru more than 25 people have been arrested. In Zvishavane town 6 people were arrested.

Incommunicado detentions, lack of respect FOR PRE-TRIAL RIGHTS AND COURT ORDERS must cease forthwith!
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR): 20/11/2008

Between 30 October and 1 November 2008, members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) selectively and arbitrarily arrested Fidelis Chiramba, Concilia Chinanzvavana, Pieta Kaseke and her two-year-old daughter, and nine other MDC supporters and activists in Mashonaland West. When lawyers attempted to access their clients, they were wilfully denied access. Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) noted that "This unlawful conduct makes a mockery of Article 11.1 of the September 2008 “Global Political Agreement” signed by the political parties urging everyone - including the police - to respect the rule of law and fundamental human rights."

Mugabe tries to hide cholera death toll
Times, The (UK): 23/11/2008

Last Friday [21 November] the World Health Organisation confirmed that 294 had died so far. Deteriorating sewerage systems and declining supplies of clean water have been blamed. The aid agency Médecins Sans Frontières said 1.4m were at risk. Thousands may die. The government, which claims that 44 have perished, says it has contained the spread of the disease and sufferers are receiving proper treatment. At the Beatrice Road infectious diseases hospital in Harare, security guards and administrators have been told to keep all visitors out – in an attempt to stop the epidemic being publicised.

‘Journalism in Zimbabwe risky, dangerous’
Zim Online (ZW): 17/11/2008

Journalism in Zimbabwe remains a risky and dangerous operation inviting criminal prosecution except for a privileged few who work for government-owned media, according to the independent Media Monitoring Project of Zimbabwe (MMPZ). The MMPZ told the ongoing 44th sessions of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights that Zimbabwe’s media landscape remains severely restricted. A power-sharing agreement between Mugabe’s ruling ZANU PF party and the opposition MDC – while acknowledging the need for a free and diverse media environment – had done little to improve the situation and was silent on the need to repeal repressive government media laws, the MMPZ said. “Journalists continue to be harassed, arrested and prosecuted under the country’s repressive media laws..."

The madness that is Zimbabwe
Independent Online (RSA): 14/11/2008

Police stopped Doug Taylor-Freeme, one of the largest food producers, from planting his maize crop nearly two weeks ago. Meanwhile the UN's World Food Programme and partners scrabble to overcome Mugabe's reluctance to allow them to distribute emergency food aid to five million people. Taylor-Freeme’s new maize crop could produce Zimbabwe's staple food for tens of thousands of people in less than six months. The farm is wanted by ‘Chief’ Nemakonde, a strong supporter of Mugabe, who has already taken over five formerly white-owned farms. They are derelict and abandoned, so now the chief wants Taylor-Freeme's Romsey, the last of the white commercial farms in the Makonde South district. All Nemakonde's previous crops have failed. "On Wednesday I was told by the commanding officer for Mashonaland West, Moses Chihuri, that he would ignore the high court order I was awarded in March ordering the chief off the land," Taylor-Freeme said.