3.3 Methodology The main aims of the project are to: • Produce a structured way of monitoring human rights at national level; and • Consolidate the reporting mechanisms of national networks. Data were collected from multiple sources, which included member and partner organizations that are involved in monitoring and documenting human rights issues, women’s organizations, children’s organizations, trade unions, electoral agencies, and government publications. Focus group discussions were conducted with member and partner organizations. These groups were structured around the following thematic areas: security of the person; administration of justice; participation rights; children’s rights; women’s rights; socio-economic and cultural rights; and special interest groups. Questions for the seven groups were structured around the prevalence/magnitude, impact and trend analysis of the violations. Organizations present pledged to provide information, to which the Forum made follow-ups. Information received from member organizations and responses from the focus group discussions was then buttressed with documented information to produce this report. Desk research involving the collation and synthesis of existing research was used. The report refers to published reports, and newsletters by member and partner organizations. There was limited statistical information from the majority of participants that could be used in the production of this report. With the production of human rights reports in Zimbabwe being highly politically sensitive, participants’ availability to attend review workshops and their participation in the submission of information were inadequate. Some information may have been withheld owing to the perceived repercussions of generating sensitive information. Zimbabwe Human Rights Report – 2009 9