Message from the Chairperson This year we enter the second decade of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum’s (the Forum) existence. In this report, while we highlight the things achieved in 2017, we also reflect on the long journey that began 20 years ago in 1998, when a few members began this journey. It was supposed to be a provisional arrangement to deal with an urgent crisis. But the more we looked deeper, the clearer it became that this was not going to be a quick fix. From 1998 to 2000, Zimbabwe would sink deeper into gross violation of human rights. Today, 20 years later, we look back and we see there is much more to be done. Jestina Mukoko | Chairperson “ As we look back, we see that it was not an easy journey. Along the way, the Forum has won so many friends who believe in the work that w e a re d o i n g . We a re grateful to our funding partners who support the work we do. ” But, we are not blind to some of the good things achieved. We have over the years become a much more coordinated Forum, expanding our work to areas previously ignored. In 2017 we welcomed our 22nd member, Veritas. The more we are, the easier it is to push ahead the human rights agenda. Some friends, we have lost. We pay tribute to our giants who have been with us and have gone to rest. We remember former Executive Director Eileen Sawyer whose work for human rights remains a big inspiration for the new generation of human rights activists. As we present this report, we present the fruits of the efforts of thousands of human rights defenders across the country who wish to see our people living in human dignity. May you find in these little gestures the inspiration to continue the good work of defending human rights. Jestina Mukoko Chairperson 1 ZIMBABWE HUMAN RIGHTS NGO FORUM ANNUAL REPORT 2017