5.
Communications received by the
Commission after its First Session
48. After the Commission had given the Government of Zimbabwe, the complainants,
Zimbabwean workers’ and employers’ organizations, neighbouring countries, member States
who were members or deputy members of the ILO Governing Body, organizations from
within the UN system, and various international workers’ and employers’ organizations the
opportunity of submitting communications to it, the Commission received the following
information, which will be analysed in greater detail in Part IV of the report. In accordance
with the procedure established by the Commission at its First Session, copies of all
information received were transmitted to both the Government of Zimbabwe and the
complainants for their information.
I.
Communications from the complainants
49. The Commission received a communication from the ITUC dated 22 April 2009 conveying
information concerning intimidation of potential witnesses to the Commission of Inquiry by
individuals purporting to be Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) operatives.
50. A communication from the secretary of the Workers’ group, on behalf of the complainants and
dated 22 June 2009, designated the General Secretary of the ITUC, Mr Guy Ryder, as the
representative of the complainants in relation to all matters before the Commission. The
following persons were authorized to act on behalf of the General Secretary for the purposes
of the Commission: Mr Stephen Benedict, Director of the ITUC Human and Trade Union
Rights Department, Ms Raquel Gonzales, Director, ITUC Geneva Office, and Ms June
Sorenson, ITUC Human and Trade Union Rights Department.
51. The General Secretary of the ITUC submitted a communication dated 22 June 2009 including
a report containing additional information on alleged violations of freedom of association
rights in Zimbabwe and a number of attachments. A further communication from the General
Secretary dated 30 July 2009 commented on the further communication from the Government
of Zimbabwe and provided additional updated information to the Commission.
52. In a communication dated 28 July 2009, the Director of the ITUC Human and Trade Union
Rights Department submitted a list of individuals whom the complainants wished the
Commission to meet during its visit to Zimbabwe.
53. In a communication dated 7 August 2009, the secretary of the Employers’ group indicated that
the Executive Committee of the Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ) would
arrange for the Commission to meet certain individuals during its mission to Zimbabwe.
II.
Communications from the Government
54. In relation to the allegation of intimidation of potential witnesses, the Commission received,
through the ILO Subregional Office, a copy of a communication dated 22 April 2009 from the
Minister of Labour and Social Affairs to the Minister of State for National Security,
respectfully requesting that the issue be looked into with a view to taking remedial measures
so as to facilitate an environment where workers’ rights were fully observed and respected.
55. In a communication dated 29 June 2009, the Government of Zimbabwe provided further
information to the Commission of Inquiry and designated Mr Langton Ngorima, the Acting
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