Human Rights Violations Update.
1.0 Summary of Violations.
Heal Zimbabwe recorded a total of 16 cases of human rights violations from 9 districts between
the 20th of August and the 15th of September 2017. HZT recorded four different categories of
human rights violations that include Intimidation (with threats of violence or threats of
withdrawal of food aid or agricultural inputs), forced participation (in political meetings,
Financial or material contributions), arson and assault. The organisation observed that
Intimidation recorded the highest number of cases in this reported period with 68.75% (11
cases), followed by forced attendance to political gatherings recording 18.75% (3 cases), arson
which recorded 6.25% (1 case) and assault which recorded 6.25% (1 case). Heal Zimbabwe
observed that the recorded human rights violations are mainly centred on (i) ZANU PF
restructuring exercises within local communities, (ii) the hype behind the recently announced
Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) process which was rolled out in local communities
beginning on the 18th of September 2017 and (iii) the ongoing countrywide Presidential youth
interface rallies, the latest being in Bindura. Heal Zimbabwe notes with great concern the
continued prevalence of human rights violations linked to intimidation in local communities.
The organisation perceives intimidation as a barrier towards the realisation of peace in
Zimbabwe and a stumbling block to the attainment of a democratic society as provided for in
the Constitution. HZT continues to call for peace and tolerance ahead of the 2018 elections.
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