Human Rights Archive Zimbabwe

This report contains findings of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC/Commission), pursuant to an investigation undertaken by the ZHRC into a complaint alleging violation of the rights of arrested and detained persons and freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The complainant is Anna Masuka of Ngundu Village, Ward 11, Gutu District, Masvingo Province.

Issues of age of consent, having sexual intercourse with young persons and access to sexual and reproductive health services cannot be separated. They are intertwined. For that reason, this publication seeks to give an overview encompassing all these issues so that the discussion is situated within its proper and complete context.

This briefing reflects Amnesty International’s information on human rights violations committed during and after mass forced evictions carried out in 2005. The program of forced evictions was carried out across the country, affecting an estimated 700,000 people, who were left without homes, or livelihoods, or both.

Appellant applied to be designated heir on grounds that only male issues are entitled under customary law to be nominated heirs. Community Court appointed Appellant but Respondent appealed on ground that not all family members had opportunity to attend trial of case. Magistrate’s Court reversed and appointed Respondent as heir.

The report contains research about violence that occurs after elections and how it is generally more violent than pre-election violence, and is mostly precipitated by the challengers.