26 Time for accountability 9 Conclusion "If the problem is to be resolved the government must prosecute the perpetrators to show its commitment to human rights. If that does not happen we will not be satisfied." George, victim of state-sponsored violence from Hurungwe, August 2008 Amnesty International is gravely concerned about the human rights situation in Zimbabwe. The ZANU-PF government’s deliberate policy of protecting those who have committed human rights violations in order to maintain its hold on power has allowed human rights violations to escalate and has led to a climate of unbridled impunity. The government has an obligation to investigate the violations of the past and to ensure that victims have access to effective remedies, including access to justice, reparations and guarantees of non-repetition. Amnesty International believes that impunity for human rights violations remains a major obstacle to a durable solution to Zimbabwe’s human rights and political crisis. Human rights violations are facilitated by the authorities’ policies of exempting perpetrators of human rights violations from accountability. The security forces, “war veterans” and ZANU-PF supporters appear to have been encouraged and even given resources by the state to commit human rights violations and evade accountability for past violations. In its extensive interviews in Zimbabwe, Amnesty International has found an overwhelming desire on the part of victims of human rights violations that perpetrators should be brought to justice. Victims also want to be able to access effective remedies including reparations for the human rights violations they have suffered. Amnesty International AI Index: AFR 46/028/2008