Uphold Democratic Space In Times Of National Debate – A Call for Nation Building
Press Statement by ZimRights
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Associations issues this solemn statement as Zimbabwe stands at a defining moment. As a nation, we are engaged in a critical conversation about our constitutional future, a conversation that should unite us in the shared pursuit of a just, prosperous, and democratic society. Yet the way this national dialogue is unfolding gives cause for deep reflection. ZimRights calls on all Zimbabweans, and particularly those entrusted with public authority, to remember who we are as a people and the values for which our forebears sacrificed.
A nation is not built by silencing voices; it is built by allowing them to be heard. The true measure of our collective maturity lies not in how we treat those who agree with us, but in how we protect the rights of those who do not.
ZimRights has documented a troubling pattern of unequal treatment under the law amid the national debate on Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026:
- February 17, 2026: Baird Gore, a Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) member, was abducted from his home, severely beaten, and had a vehicle driven over his legs, breaking his bones. After seeking medical care, he was forcibly removed from his hospital bed by police officers and taken to Machipisa Police Station.
- March 1, 2026: Constitutional law expert Professor Lovemore Madhuku and his colleagues were assaulted by armed men in Harare in broad daylight while uniformed police reportedly stood by without intervening.
- March 20, 2026: Delan Cole, a Chinhoyi University student leader, was abducted from a lecture theatre while speaking against the constitutional amendments.
- March 21, 2026: Former Finance Minister and CDF convener Tendai Biti was detained in Mutare while organizing a rally, along with several colleagues.
These incidents follow a pattern of barring peaceful meetings and subjecting dissenters to beatings and intimidation. The contrast is stark, some Zimbabweans assemble freely, while others are beaten, abducted, arrested, and dragged from hospital beds for doing the same.
These rights are enshrined in Zimbabwe’s Constitution and binding international instruments:
- The Constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees freedom of expression (Section 58), peaceful assembly (Section 59), association (Section 60), the prohibition of torture (Section 53), and personal liberty (Section 52).
- The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ratified 1986) prohibits torture (Article 5) and guarantees expression and assembly (Articles 9 and 11).
- The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) (ratified 1991) prohibits torture (Article 7), arbitrary arrest (Article 9), and guarantees expression (Article 19).
- The Convention against Torture (ratified 2013) mandates prompt, impartial investigation of all torture allegations (Article 12).
These instruments are promises made to the people of Zimbabwe and the world. To breach them is to diminish our nation.
We believe Zimbabwe is capable of doing better and, as a result make the following calls;
To the Government:
- Honour the President’s words, “the voice of the people is the voice of God.” Affirm that
every Zimbabwean may express views on Amendment No. 3 without fear. - Commission independent investigations into the abduction and torture of Baird Gore,
assault of Prof. Madhuku, abduction of Delan Cole, and arrest of Tendai Biti and
colleagues. Bring perpetrators to justice. - Fulfil the Convention against Torture obligations by ensuring prompt investigation of all
torture and enforced disappearance allegations.
To the Zimbabwe Republic Police:
- Remember your oath. When officers stood by as Prof. Madhuku was assaulted, and
removed an injured man from his hospital bed, that oath was broken. Restore public
trust. - Immediately, investigate these cases. Identify and prosecute all perpetrators, including
any implicated officers. - Provide equal protection to all groups assembling peacefully. When one group meets
freely while another is attacked, the ZRP becomes an instrument of partisan interest.
To the People of Zimbabwe:
- Remain engaged in the constitutional debate. Your participation is your right and
responsibility. - Reject violence and intimidation. We are one nation, bound by shared history and
destiny.
There is a story Zimbabweans tell about themselves: that we are a people of resilience, courage, and unbreakable spirit. That story is true. We have overcome colonialism and endured hardships that would have broken other nations. Yet today, that reality includes citizens beaten, abducted, tortured, arrested, and dragged from hospital beds for expressing their views.
Let us choose to be a nation where the Constitution is a shield protecting all. Let us choose to be a nation where the voice of the people, all the people, is truly heard.
Issued by ZimRights Information Department
