Justice for Children condemns house demolitions

AS Justice for Children lawyers registered both with the High Court of Zimbabwe and the Law Society of Zimbabwe, we are concerned with the many child rights violations being committed by responsible authorities which are expected to uphold and protect the rights of children through demolition of houses in Harare. The most recent incident being the Budiriro 5 one which utterly had no appreciation of the implications of such demolitions on the rights of children.

While being aware that most of the demolitions in Harare take place following issuance of court orders, we are disturbed by the insensitive, heartless and inhumane way in which the demolitions are taking place without any concern or consideration for the best interests of children.

Having visited Budiriro 5 on December 9 2020, a day after the demolitions took place, Justice for Children has observed and is aware that:

 Children, including infants, were residing outside in the current rainy season after losing their homes through demolitions by the local authority.

 Children sitting for their Grade Seven or Form Four examinations were disturbed by the demolitions resulting in some of them even failing to sit for their examinations on December 8 and 9 2020, thereby, dampening the prospect of a bright future.

 Children lost essential documents such as birth certificates as a result of the demolitions since they were not accorded an opportunity to retrieve their belongings thereby diminishing the notable gains and progress that had been made so far in child protection.

 Children were psychologically affected as they witnessed violence during the demolitions.

This statement, however, is not based on our profession as lawyers for children, but on our humanity as fellow human beings, therefore, we are appealing to everyone who was involved in one way or the other in the violation of children’s rights through these demolitions to provide alternative accommodation to the families.

We, therefore, appeal to every Zimbabwean from the family, community and national level regardless of position to protect children and ensure that together we preserve our future generations through positive actions, decisions and plans that take children into consideration.