Call to Mnangagwa: ‘Act now’

International human rights organisations have petitioned Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa to “respect human rights” and to “end the escalating crackdown” on protesters.

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Oxfam International implored Mnangagwa to take concrete and effective action to address the deteriorating human rights situation and increasing risk of a humanitarian crisis.

“We are seriously concerned about the escalating crackdown by your government on human rights defenders, civil society activists, labour and opposition leaders and members, and Zimbabweans protesting the recent fuel price increase,” the organisations said in a letter to Mnangagwa.

It was signed by their leaders, Kumi Naidoo, Kenneth Roth and Winnie Byanyima.

“We have observed with concern a pattern of suppression of dissenting voices in Zimbabwe. On August 1, 2018, seven people were killed after the deployment of the military during post-election protests. To date, those responsible for the killings have not been brought to justice.”

The organisations demanded that Mnangagwa act swiftly to ensure that security forces who unleashed terror against citizens were held accountable. He must also launch an impartial and independent investigation into allegations of human rights violations and abuses, including rape and other sexual abuse of women by security forces.

Zimbabwe has refuted assertions of civilians being terrorised. – ANA