A TALE OF PROMISES BROKEN
Statement in Commemoration of the 11th Anniversary of the Constitution of Zimbabwe
Today, as the people of Zimbabwe commemorate the 11th anniversary of the adoption of their country’s constitution, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association expresses deep concern over the growing human rights violations and the government’s flagrant disregard for the fundamental principles enshrined in this important document.
The 2013 Zimbabwean Constitution, hailed as a landmark achievement, was ratified on 22 May 2013, but became effective on 22 August 2013. This ushered hopes for a new era of democratic governance, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of civil liberties. However, over the past decade, Zimbabwe has witnessed a disturbing trend of backsliding, where the government has been implicated in repeat violations of the rights of its citizens thus undermining the very pillars of the constitution.
Today, the 11th Anniversary of the constitution finds Zimbabweans reeling from escalated human rights abuses, the suppression of dissent, and the erosion of the checks and balances that are essential for a functioning democracy. The past decade has seen a heightened violation of civil liberties, manifested in the criminalization of freedoms such as the freedom, of association and of assembly, and even the right to protest as enshrined in sections 58 and 59 of the constitution.
Zimbabweans have also witnessed arbitrary arrests of civic and opposition leaders, in a quest to silence dissent. Since June 16 this year alone, more than 160 people opposition politicians, activists and union leaders have been arrested in Zimbabwe. These include Jameson Timba and the Avondale 77, Namatai Kwekweza, Robson Chere, Samuel Gwenzi and many others.
Lack of press freedom, judiciary independence and failure to account for past human rights abuses have cast a major blight on the constitutionalism landscape in Zimbabwe.
Issued by the ZimRights Information Department
Email: info@zimrights.org.zw
