Identify the influential people in communities – Public officials like chiefs,
village heads and District administrators are influential in communities.
Human rights activists must strive towards ensuring a working relationship
so that they can protect communities when they are under attacks. This
is very difficult to achieve but, it’s critical to attempt such an approach.
Name and shame – If communities identify a leader in organized violence
against their communities they need to name such ring leaders. HZT will
then circulate the names, if possible with pictures so that they are
pressured to stop such organized terror.
Keep HZT informed – when the communities are under siege, they must
keep HZT informed of such developments. In doing so, the media will also
be briefed which will put pressure on the government to stop such
organized attacks on the community.
Keep important numbers in your phonebook – Human rights activists must
keep important numbers such as the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
(ZLHR), Counseling Services Unity (CSU) and the police. The police is
critical for reporting criminal attacks by organized groups or forces bent
on violating human rights.
Travel in groups – Targeted attacks usually happen when human rights or
political activists separate themselves from people of like thinking.
Attend forced activities -
As a safety measure, attend forces meetings or
activities irrespective of political orientation so as to ensure safety during
political hostility.
Avoid putting on party regalia – irrespective of one’s political affiliation; it
is a precautionary measure to avoid putting on political party regalia even
during the period of relative peace.
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