Commissions Watch 7/2016
Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission:
Press Statement on Public Protests and Police Conduct
30 August
COMMISSIONS WATCH 7/2016
ZIMBABWE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
[30th August 2016]
Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission: Press Statement on Public
Protests and Police Conduct
This bulletin contains the exact text of the Zimbabwe Human Rights
Commission’s Press Statement on public protests and police conduct. Veritas
is distributing the correct statement as unfortunately various media outlets and
politicians have quoted it either inaccurately or selectively to back their own
opinions. The Human Rights Commission is fulfilling its constitutional mandate
to both urge demonstrators to be peaceful and keep within the law, but at the
same time urging state agents do their job professionally and within the terms
of the constitution and not to violate the rights of citizens and condemning the
use of excess force.
PRESS STATEMENT ON PUBLIC PROTESTS AND POLICE CONDUCT
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) is cognisant of the
demonstrations, protests and ongoing unrest in the country. As a country,
Zimbabwe is founded on the principles of the supremacy of the
Constitution, fundamental human rights and freedoms, and recognition of
the inherent dignity and worth of each human being. The Constitution
guarantees under section 59 that every person has the right to demonstrate
and to present petitions, but these rights must be exercised peacefully, and
the demonstrators should not seek to harm anyone or destroy or loot
property.
In terms of section 219 of the Constitution, the Police have a duty to protect
and secure the lives and property of the people, uphold the Constitution of
Zimbabwe, and enforce the law without fear or favour. It is noted with regret
that the police did violate the fundamental rights of the people as evidenced
by the facts gathered on the ground. Security concerns should not be used
as an excuse to harass demonstrators or non-demonstrators, which
undermines the fundamental principles granted by our Constitution and
international law. Citizens should enjoy police protection and not brutality.