Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum: Report on pre-election political violence in Mberengwa The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (also known as the “Human Rights Forum”) has been in existence since January 1998. Nine non-governmental organisations working in the field of human rights came together to provide legal and psycho-social assistance to the victims of the Food Riots of January 1998. The Human Rights Forum has now expanded its objectives to assist victims of organised violence, using the following definition: “organised violence” means the interhuman infliction of significant avoidable pain and suffering by an organised group according to a declared or implied strategy and/or system of ideas and attitudes. It comprises any violent action which is unacceptable by general human standards, and relates to the victims’ mental and physical wellbeing. The Human Rights Forum operates a Legal Unit and a Research and Documentation Unit. Member organisations of the Human Forum are: The Amani Trust The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace The Legal Resources Foundation Transparency International (Zimbabwe) The University of Zimbabwe Legal Aid and Advice Scheme Zimbabwe Association for Crime Prevention and the Rehabilitation of the Offender Zimbabwe Human Rights Association Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association The Human Rights Forum can be contacted through any member organisation or the following personnel: The Chairperson, c/o P O Box 5465, Harare – cell phone #091 233 712 The Co-ordinator, c/o P O Box CY 1393, Causeway – cell phone # 091 337 699 The Project Lawyer, c/o P O Box 5465, Harare – cell phone #091 238 070 Email: admin@hrforum.co.zw Website: www.hrforumzim.com All earlier reports can be found on the website. 2

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