11. SUMMARY OF HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN ZIMBABWE 2016 Zimbabwe ended the year 2016 on a positive note having successfully undergone a Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of its human rights record by fellow member states of the United Nations on 2 November 2016. Zimbabwe received a total of 260 recommendations. 142 of these were accepted, 18 were noted, and 100 were subject for further consideration. However, a violent wave of civil unrest preceeding that process, particularly, between July and September 2016 was characterised by calls for national ‘stay – away’ as people exercised their civil right to demonstrate and petition. The protesters cited various challenges that included delays in payment of civil servants salaries, increased roadblocks and harassment of citizens. Calls were made for the prosecution and dismissal of corrupt officials, abandonment of the introduction of bond notes and revocation of Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016 which imposed a ban on some imported goods to protect local industries from unfair competition. The protests were organised over the Internet via WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook social messaging platforms, using mainly the #ZimbabweShutDown2016, #Tajamuka and #ThisFlag hashtags. The government refused to sanction the protests which were suppressed by state security agents even when the protesters had Court Orders authorising their protest. In response to complaints lodged to the ZHRC, the Commission conducted two investigations into police conduct during the protests. These investigations led to the publication of a press statement by the Commission condemning police and security agents’ heavy handedness and also calling on the protesting public to ensure their demonstrations were peaceful and respectful of the rights of others. 44 Other protests were organised by opposition political parties under the banner of the National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA) to press for electoral reforms ahead of the 2018 elections. Political anxiety was also caused by endless reports in the media of factionalism within the ruling party Zanu PF around succession and squabbling War Veterans leadership. The much anticipated grand coalition of opposition political parties, in particular, the MDC –T and Zimbabwe People First (Zim PF) did not materialise, with the MDC – T itself divided over the appointment of two additional Vice Presidents for the Party. Nonetheless, people continued to exercise their political right to vote in by – elections that took place including the Norton and Chimanimani by – elections and several council wards that fell vacant. The Norton by – election was heavily contested with some incidents of violence being experienced in the run up to the elections. Fulfilment of socio-economic rights was difficult as the Zimbabwean economy continued to be under stress throughout 2016 on account of a tight liquidity crunch and other macro – economic challenges. To alleviate the cash crisis and externalisation of foreign currency, withdrawal limits at banks were drastically reduced and long queues at banks became the order of the day. Despite the resistance by some citizens, the government, through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), introduced bond notes backed by an Afreximbank facility towards the end of the year. On a positive note, the government managed to settle the US$107, 9 million International Monetary Fund (IMF) debt. The introduction of Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016 was intended to promote local industries, protect local jobs, and grow the economy. However, company closures continued owing to other policy Protecting, Promoting and Enforcing Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms