The United States has recently criticized Zimbabwe for not taking sufficient action against human rights abusers, raising concerns about the nation’s commitment to justice and human rights. According to the 2023 Human Rights Report by the Biden administration, Zimbabwe is facing serious issues, including unlawful killings and inhumane treatment, perpetuated by both government forces and criminal gangs, particularly within the mining sector.
The report points out the absence of government efforts to identify, investigate, or prosecute officials who might be responsible for these abuses. It highlights instances such as the alleged killing of Persuade Mandara by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers, who reportedly assaulted him severely in his own home over a grain theft case, using extreme measures including burning logs and gunfire.
The Human Rights NGO Forum has provided details of these events, and similar patterns of abuse were evident throughout the year, including excessive force by police and military to suppress peaceful protests and informal trading. Such actions often seemed to favor the ruling party’s interests, suggesting a misuse of power against perceived political opponents.
An example of the security forces’ overreach included the assault on Kudzai Kadzere, a lawyer with the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, who was responding to a request for legal assistance from opposition supporters. The report states that Kadzere was beaten by police officers using batons and fists, resulting in serious injuries including a fractured hand.
Beyond the direct acts of violence, the report criticized the conditions within Zimbabwean prisons, describing them as harsh and life-threatening due to overcrowding, food and water shortages, unsanitary conditions, and inadequate medical care. These conditions are exacerbated by the lack of basic necessities like blankets and personal hygiene products.
Legal protections against arbitrary arrest and detention are formally upheld by the Zimbabwean Constitution, but the reality often contradicts these principles, with security laws being enforced in ways that undermine constitutional rights. The report notes that arbitrary arrests and detentions are routinely used to intimidate and harass not only political figures and activists but also journalists, lawyers, and ordinary citizens advocating for their rights.
Property rights, though constitutionally protected, are frequently violated by the government, the report adds. It cites an instance where ZANU-PF activists forcibly seized a sugar plantation, displacing the owner and many workers.
The US report also casts doubt on the fairness and freedom of Zimbabwe’s August 2023 elections, detailing incidents such as raids on local observer centers and arrests of their members under the guise of preventing unauthorized announcements of election results. These actions suggest a broader pattern of electoral manipulation and suppression of civic monitoring.
Responses from Zimbabwean officials were limited at the time of the report’s release. Information Minister Jenfan Muswere and his secretary were unavailable for comment. However, Zanu PF’s information director, Farai Marapira, challenged the US to substantiate its claims, accusing it of biased and vindictive engagement with Zimbabwe.
Marapira’s response underscores a defiant attitude towards international criticisms, asserting that the government remains committed to its mission despite external pressures. This stance indicates ongoing tension between Zimbabwe and nations like the US, which continue to scrutinize its human rights record and political integrity.
Overall, the situation in Zimbabwe as depicted by the US report paints a grim picture of a country where human rights abuses are widespread and systemic, with little accountability for perpetrators and significant obstacles to political and civil freedoms. This assessment calls for international awareness and advocacy to push for reforms that can ensure justice and human dignity in Zimbabwe.
Source: Newsday
