Resolution on the Human Rights Situation in Zimbabwe
We the participants at the Forum on the Participation of NGOs in the 32nd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the 6th African Human Rights Book Fair, held at the Kairaba Beach hotel in Banjul from October 14th-16th, 2002
Having examined collectively the serious and deteriorating situation of human rights in Zimbabwe;
Considering the political violence, that includes killings, torture and rape, arbitrary confiscation of property, the defiance of the rule of law and the constant attack on the human rights defenders and independent journalists;
Noting with grave concern the harassment of human rights defenders and the media by the militia and other ruling party supporters;
Noting that since the last Session of the African Commission held in May 2002 the violation of human rights has continued unabated;
Conscious of the need for land reform in Zimbabwe but alarmed by the chaotic, violent and disorderly process used by the government;
Concerned by the adoption of repressive legislations to curtail the freedom of expression and information, the right to assemble and associate;
Disturbed by the current food shortage and the imminent famine and the use of food distribution as a political weapon;
We urge the African commission to:
Recommend that the government of Zimbabwe take immediate steps to stop the violations and comply with its obligations in terms of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.
Respect the rule of law, especially the independence of the judiciary
Protect the right to property and due process.
Done in Banjul, The Gambia 16th October 2002
