Commemorating the International Day of Peace
A Call to Act Now for a Peaceful Zimbabwe
Today, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of Peace under the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” This theme speaks to one of ZimRights’ 8 Action Zones – the Right to Peace Action Zone. Our work in human rights is grounded in the belief that peace flows from justice, fairness, and accountability. As we reflect on this day, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing a Zimbabwe and a world, where every person enjoys peace, dignity, and freedom.
Since 2021, ZimRights has been taking action in leading the charge in advocating for peace as a fundamental human right through its Right to Peace Action Zone. Our flagship State of Peace Report, now in its fifth year, serves as a citizen-driven framework to assess Zimbabwe’s peace landscape. This State of Peace Report amplifies the voices of ordinary Zimbabweans, capturing their demand for positive peace.
The Global Peace Index (GPI) provides a sobering snapshot of global peace measuring indicators like violent crime, political instability, organized violence, and unresolved conflicts. Zimbabwe ranks lowly on number 121 out of the 163 countries with a score of 2.396. This is confirmed in the 2025 State of Peace Report where Zimbabwe faces a profound crisis where pervasive violence and economic despair have shattered public safety and trust. Only 44.2% of citizens feel secure in their communities, with a staggering 71.2% exposed to violence in the past year, primarily social (51.1%) and political (33.1%) in nature. This instability is fuelled by extreme economic hardship, including rampant unemployment (67.9%) and high inflation (79.1%), which 62.6% link directly to lack of positive peace. Compounding this is a crippling erosion of institutional trust, with only 17.9% confident in law enforcement, and widespread suppression of freedoms where nearly 60% feel unsafe exercising their basic freedoms.
As we observe the International Day of Peace 2025, ZimRights calls for immediate action to address Zimbabwe’s peace deficit. We urge the government to implement reforms that guarantee equal protection under the law, restore civic trust, and expand civic space for the exercise of fundamental rights. We call on citizens to harness their collective power, as outlined in our Facing the Fear Policy Brief, to resist intimidation and demand accountability from those in power. Globally, we stand in solidarity with communities advocating for peace in the face of conflict and oppression. The theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World” challenges us to move from rhetoric to action—reforming institutions, addressing inequalities, and fostering dialogue to resolve conflicts.
ZimRights remains steadfast in its mission to build a Zimbabwe where peace is not merely an aspiration, but a lived reality. As we prepare to release the State of Peace Report 2025, we invite all stakeholders—citizens, policymakers, and the international community—to join us on this critical journey. Together, let us act now to create a peaceful world where every Zimbabwean, and indeed every global citizen, can live in dignity, free from fear and want.
Our communities are hurting. With 7 in 10 of us witnessing violence and over half feeling unsafe in our own neighbourhoods, the need for peace has never been more urgent. ZimRights has been taking action and the State of Peace Report 2025 gives us the evidence and the roadmap.
Considering this, ZimRights makes the following call to action:
To the Government of Zimbabwe
- Establish a National Peace and Reconciliation Policy: Close the gap left by the NPRC by creating a coherent, independent, and permanent peace infrastructure, trusted by citizens.
- Restore Institutional Integrity: Guarantee the independence of the police, judiciary, the ZICC, and other commissions so that they serve all citizens impartially.
- End Impunity: Address past and ongoing violations, including Gukurahundi, through truth-telling, accountability, and reparations.
- Open Civic Space: Ensure freedoms of expression, assembly, and association, and allow communities to participate meaningfully in shaping their peace.
- Promote Positive Peace: Reduce corruption, ensure fair resource distribution, and integrate peace objectives into national development planning.
To Civil Society
- Amplify Citizen Voices: Expand transitional justice programming, grassroots peace infrastructures, and platforms such as the Citizens’ Peace Barometer to ensure that communities define peace on their own terms.
- Build Partnerships: Work closely with constitutional commissions, academic institutions, and faith-based organisations to monitor peace indicators and strengthen citizen engagement.
To Ordinary Citizens
- Resist Fear and Intimidation: As underscored in ZimRights’ Facing the Fear Policy Brief, stand together to reject authoritarian peace and demand genuine security.
- Participate Actively: Engage in Right to Peace dialogues, peace gardens, and other community-based initiatives to shape the conditions of peace in your daily lives.
- Demand Accountability: Hold leaders accountable for protecting your right to live free from fear and want, including access to livelihoods, shelter, and protection from violence.
- Build Community Solidarity: Strengthen cultural peace by respecting differences, promoting unity, and empower women and youth to lead peace dialogues and community projects, ensuring their voices shape a united, inclusive Zimbabwe.
The theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World” is a clarion call for collective action. ZimRights urges the government, civil society, citizens, and politicians to unite in addressing Zimbabwe’s challenges, as outlined in our State of Peace Reports and informed by global peace indicators. By working together to dismantle systemic barriers to peace, we can build a Zimbabwe where every individual enjoys freedom from fear and want, living in dignity and security. Let us act now to make peace a reality for all.
Issued by ZimRights Information Department
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