Human Rights
Entries relating to human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.
The Anatomy of Terror
Sokwanele Article: June 10th, 2011
The information in this report has been gathered by civic activists and credible researchers who wish to remain anonymous for both their security and the security of those who helped them compile the data. Sokwanele is facilitating dissemination of this information.
Click on the following links to download the report and associated documents: Over the past decade since 2000, there have been an enormous number of reports detailing the violence and the gross human rights violations that have accompanied Zimbabwe’s crisis. In all the reports – apart from the face-saving propaganda of the former ZANU PF government – it has been clear that the major victims have been members of the MDC [now MDC-T], as well as members of activist civic organizations such as the NCA, the ZCTU, WOZA, and others. It has also been clear that the overwhelming perpetrators have been supporters of ZANU PF, the youth militia, the so-called “war veterans”, and, most serious of all, state agents such as the police, the army, and the CIO.
ZIG Watch : Issue 10
Sokwanele Article: November 6th, 2009
"There is nothing in the GPA that has not been done by ZANU PF, nothing at all. We have fulfilled everything that the GPA wanted us to fulfill": Robert Mugabe, 24 October 2009
October has been a month characterised by violence, lawlessness, corruption and the complete abuse of power for partisan and personal objectives. Despite Robert Mugabe’s outrageous claim to the contrary, Sokwanele has logged an incredible 3850 breaches of the GPA by Zanu PF since the start of the ZIG Watch project, making this party responsible for 88.8% of all breaches logged up until the end of October.
October began in the wake of a international public campaign demanding that Nestle stop buying milk from Gushungo Dairy Estate which is owned by Grace Mugabe. Recognising the public’s disgust, Nestle quickly capitulated and in so doing exposed itself to ruthless elements that serve to protect and defend the Zanu PF elite business interests. Nestle bank accounts were frozen by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe who also ordered a forensic audit into its dealings. (The Reserve Bank Governor, Gideon Gono, is staunchly loyal to the Mugabe’s and Zanu PF.) Zanu PF Youths cryptically threatened to “lose it” if the company did not resume buying milk from Gushengo, and the so-called Affirmative Action Group – loyal to the Zanu PF party – threatened to take over Nestle Zimbabwe if the company did not resume its purchases. Actions like these arguably have a far more damaging impact on any prospects for investment in the country than the targeted sanctions Zanu PF is so anxious to have removed.
"Zimbabwe's Blood Diamonds" - transcript
Sokwanele Article: October 31st, 2009
PRESENTER:
For most people, diamonds symbolize love, happiness and wealth, but in countries like Zimbabwe, they’ve brought terror and misery. So jewellery stores like this one in Cresta want to feel confident that the diamonds they sell are approved by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. This is the international watchdog to put a stop to the deadly trade in conflict diamonds. Next week in Namibia, they will decide on what action to take against Zimbabwe. This report investigates the country’s blood diamonds. [This Special Assignment programme “Zimbabwe’s Blood Diamonds” was broadcast on Tuesday 27 October at 8.30 pm on SABC 3 (South Africa)]
INTRO:
In the mountains of Eastern Zimbabwe lies a vast alluvial deposit of diamonds, one of the richest in the world. The gems lie near the surface of the ground, so they can be collected by hand. Nearly half of the diamonds found here are industrials – a low-grade stone used for drilling and grinding. But, perhaps as many as 40 %, are the highly prized gemstones.
