Many of the provisions in the NGO Bill are taken from the existing Private Voluntary Associations Act (PVO Act). The PVO Act was already potentially a highly repressive piece of legislation. The new Bill contains additional provisions that make it even more threatening. The Zimbabwean authorities view human rights and governance NGOs as the enemy and are intent on either suppressing these organisations or grossly interfering with them on a political basis. In so doing, the Zimbabwean authorities will be in flagrant violation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights and Responsibilities of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognised Human Rights and Fundamental Rights and Freedoms. Amongst other things, this Declaration provides that human rights defenders have the right · · · · · · to seek the protection and realisation of human rights at national and international levels; to conduct human rights work individually and in association with others; to form NGOs; to seek, obtain and hold information relating to human rights; to offer professionally qualified legal assistance and other assistance in defence of human rights; to effective protection under national law in reacting against or opposing human rights violations by the state. th At its 35 Ordinary Session held in Banjul, Gambia 2 May to 4 June 2004, the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights reaffirmed the UN Declaration. It also adopted a resolution on human rights · · recognising “the crucial contribution of the work of hrs defenders in promoting hrs, democracy and the rule of law in Africa”; expressing serious concern “about the persistence of violations targeting individuals and members of their families, groups and organisations working to promote and protect human and people’s rights and by the growing risks faced by human rights defenders". 5