ROHR Zimbabwe on the disrupted "All stakeholders conference"

The most colorful display of the constitutional discord was witnessed on Monday 13 July when delegates at the “All stakeholders” conference saw the petal of confusion, deception and violence cascading down to the center stage, effectively blowing the runway light bulbs when the constitutional plane was just about to land. The level of disorganization and the consequential impression emanating from the just landed indaba fails to justify the commitment and faith placed by relevant stakeholders in the parliamentary led constitutional initiative.  

ROHR Zimbabwe is a huge supporter of people driven and democratic processes and therefore stands opposed to the current process led by the parliament. Article 6 of the Global Political Agreement (GPA) which gave birth to the parliamentary steered constitutional process makes a mockery of the constitutional reform process in Zimbabwe as it relegates civil society to an observer role with little influence while awarding the primary political parties ample room and opportunity to manipulate the document for political gain. It preclude other political players from participating and reduces civil society to mere spectators with an insignificant muscle to manoeuvre meaningfully.

Albeit predictable, the disruption of the Indaba by hired ZANU PF thugs is a statement not only of the fact that the former revolutionary party has not yet repented, but that politicians see the constitution as yet another bargaining tool of sealing deals of the interparty negotiations that began in 2007. Installing the usual infrastructure of violence at the starred hotel facilities to disengage any gears of progress casts serious questions on the wisdom of bestowing an exercise of this importance in the hands of politicians, particularly these primary parties currently involved in tugs and negotiations for political grip in the government. Obviously the drafting of the constitution is yet another tool necessary to create and/or strengthen party stake in the Government in preparation for the impending elections. We seriously question their credibility to be at the forefront of this agenda.  

ROHR Zimbabwe firmly believes that any reform of the Zimbabwe constitution should be people driven and not parliamentary driven. The secretive nature of political negotiations gave birth to the controversial draft doctored at the resort town of Kariba in September 2007 , and the GPA in September 2008, both of which are political deals kept away from public scrutiny and participation to the detriment of popular input. There is little doubt that the insertion of Kariba draft in the parliament led process as referenced in article 6 of the GPA is a well orchestrated campaign by the primary negotiators to protect their political interests. If the draft is to be used as the basis for constitution-making in the country, Zimbabweans will be denied their right to write a constitution for themselves. The draft is seriously flawed. It sneaks in weak aspects of the current constitution and that of the rejected constitutional commission draft that was reject by the people in 2000, thereby producing an unacceptable government with unchecked executive powers, a weak parliament, and inadequate protections for fundamental rights and freedoms. 

Therefore Restoration of Human rights Zimbabwe reiterates its position that we will not participate in the process in its current form because we believe it is not people driven and runs the risk of political manipulation. By stating the following ROHR Zimbabwe is only reiterating the position we took in 2008 and the views expressed in the People’s Charter that the people should be allowed to write their own constitution in a free, transparent and participatory way and this can be achieved through creating an independent inclusive All Stakeholders Commission to run the process.  

Furthermore our non-participation approach stems from prior knowledge of President Mugabe and his colleagues in ZANU PF who pride on a culture and history of violence and politics of coercion in the agency of youth militia, ex-combatants and the passive or active cooperation of national institutions such as police, army and Central Intelligence Organization. Despite his verbal commitment to power sharing in a coalition Government with MDC, Mugabe is yet to demonstrate policy and attitude shift from this culture and the recent disruption of the constitutional conference only strengthens this fact. What we observe is Mugabe’s continued intransigence as shown by his keenness to ignore all stakeholder rejection of the Kariba Draft which we all agree fails to protect anything else except enormous and sweeping powers for the President while underplaying the importance of checks and balances derived from judicial independence and strength of parliament. 

As a progressive movement, we will not stop anyone who wants to participate or observe the proceeding of the constitutional process led by the Parliamentary Select Committee. Our position will however remain as that enunciated before that ROHR Zimbabwe will not participate in a process we do not believe will produce the result necessary to solve current constitutional and human rights challenges that catalysed Zimbabwe into a gigantic human rights furnace, exposing her citizenry to the worst economic and social dragons unprecedented in the history of the nation.  

Justice for all of us, the will of the people shall prevail

Six families face eviction from their home for supporting MDC

ROHR Zimbabwe is greatly disturbed by the recent farm evictions that took place in Bindura. The forced eviction appears to be politically motivated according to reports as it involves the Zanu PF District Chairman Jacob Chiripanyanga who is allegedly victimizing them for political affiliations to the Movement for Democratic Change. 

Fanuel Musona, Gift Lemon, Lyson Reason, Gift Mhembere and Lazarus Malunga and their families are beneficiaries of the controversial land reform after the Mugabe led government allocated them plots at Foothills farm. They received the above mentioned plots in 2000, and had for the past 9 years, built homes and families with the hope that their newly found fortune would last them and their offsprings. The above mentioned people, among other fellow victims countrywide, have become victims of political fanning by ZANU PF zealots in living in the same farm.

Jacob Chiripanyanga is accusing the four of betraying their loyalty to ZANU PF by their alleged support of MDC. This accusation has resulted in the complainants being issued eviction letters. Information from ROHR secretary for information and publicity in the area explained how the four were brought before Chief Negomo of Chiweshe village who ordered that they be thoroughly beaten before trial. The chief initially demanded US $50 before reducing it to US$40 from the victims as trial charge.

The case was first heard on 3 July 2009 before Chief Negomo allegedly in the presence of police officers from Dundril police post who showed reluctance to interfere in the process. Mr. Musona and company are still to pay the required US$40 and are residing at their plots awaiting the conclusion of their case. The five are still to appear before Chief Negomo for further trial on a date to be announced. 

MDC Foothills chairman Collen Langton who confirmed the eviction claim said that the case was before Chief Negomo. “Though they are still residing at the farm the fate of whether they will be evicted or not in is in the hands of the village court which I want to believe is illegimate since Negomo imposed himself on the throne after he was allocated a piece of land during the land reform programme in 2000 just like anybody here on the farm”, said Langton.

Chief Negomo is accused of imposing himself on the people of Foothills after he was allocated a piece of land at the farm. The chief and Chiripanyanga are being accused by the villagers of running a scam where they are forcing farm residents to the village court for trial where they milk hard earned cash from the poor villagers breasts in broad daylight in the name of tradition.  

In another eviction case ROHR Zimbabwe reported in May 2009, six families at Gatumba farm in Bindura were evicted by four Zanu PF activists Tumai Phiri, Kennedy Makomo, Edward Uriri and Mr. Chari simply for having electricity and decent shelter at the farm whilst the latter resided in mud houses. 

Harare provincial coordinating committee maiden meeting

On Thursday 2 July 2009 ROHR Harare provincial coordinating committee held its first meeting meant to map the way forward in terms of activities and programs. The committee promised to make ROHR visible and active towards the Zimbabwean cause especially in Harare since it is the capital of Zimbabwe. All the eleven elected members turned up for the meeting which was chaired by Mr. Last Maengahama the Harare Chairperson.

The Harare provincial committee elected into office on the 20th of June 2009 promised to work hard and united for the organization’s success. They tasked every member to show high level of commitment for the programs to be successful. The committee proposed a number of events they would conduct with the first being setting up of grassroots committees in all the 29 constituencies of Harare. 
Some of the activities they proposed are leadership development and capacity building workshops for members in Harare province. Speaking after the workshop the Harare field officer Vimbai Mbisva said that the members showed a high level of commitment by turning up for the meeting and the general consensus that they will all take part in the activities of the province is a clear sign of commitment. What they are asking for are resources to make sure that their goal is achieved. “All the members were in high spirit and eager to make Harare the leading province in terms of activities”, said the Field officer.

They then requested that the organization make provisions for information material which will be distributed during the structuring exercise. They requested T-shirts especially for the committee so that when they go out to constituencies and districts they can be identified with the organization. Other materials such as fliers, newsletters and brochures are also among a list of materials they would want for their programs. They tasked the organization to keep their spirit up by ensuring that their demands are met for them to achieve the goal they have set for themselves. 

From the information Department of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe
Contact Thomas Madhuku (Information Officer (Intern) for further details

ROHR comes of age

In August 2009, ROHR Zimbabwe will celebrate its second anniversary since its Formation in 2007.  

ROHR Zimbabwe has positioned itself as a human rights organization that places special emphasis on grassroots based activism, radicalism, creative mobilization and outreach methodology. The organization focuses on a broad spectrum of rights- civil, social, economic and political. The organization derives its uniqueness from its radical approach and strength from a physical presence in every province, leadership in the overseas – that assist in resource mobilization, grassroots oriented programs as well as inherent activism and promptness of action

Although ROHR Zimbabwe started operations a mere two years ago, it has made considerable strides within its short life span in challenging and speaking out against human rights violations. In 2007 and 2008, ROHR Zimbabwe appointed focal persons in each province, who have been acting as catalysts and link persons in identifying and taking action against violations. An office has since been established in Harare. Some provinces such as Masvingo, Midlands and Bulawayo have already put in place frameworks to document cases of human rights violations. Already, ROHR Zimbabwe has registered a strong presence in national and international independent media, as several of its press statements have been covered in these different media. In order to register discontent on the human rights situation in the country, ROHR Zimbabwe staged several demonstrations in various parts of the country. There was however spirited efforts by the government to thwart these demonstrations. 

ROHR Zimbabwe is a non party – political, grassroots and membership based organization passionate and committed to bringing about positive change in Zimbabwe through advocating for a Zimbabwe where rights and freedoms of every human being are respected and promoted. The organization is inspired by the founding mission of returning Zimbabwe to normalcy and higher standards of respect for human rights after years of violations of unimaginable proportions with the aim of achieving justice and peace in Zimbabwe. The organization was formed by a coalition of Zimbabwean in exile abroad and others who fell victim to the human rights violations that rocked Zimbabwe since Independence in 1980, whose forms and magnitudes became horrendous during election times, particularly after the emergence of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). The founding members believe in the conceivability and practicality of the realization of human rights. 

ROHR Zimbabwe activities
The centrality of ROHR Zimbabwe programming is hinged upon the three basic mandates stemming from its mission statement. Our mission is to promote a culture of human rights in Zimbabwe through community mobilization, capacity building and active responses to human rights challenges. 

COMMUNITY MOBILISATION
   

The strategic objective for this theme is to mobilize, empower and inspire people in Zimbabwe to defend and claim their rights. Noting that Zimbabwe is currently reeling from the effects of gross violation of human rights, polarized environment, de-mobilized communities, discrimination and docility at community level, ROHR Zimbabwe would like to ensure that individuals, acting collectively, gain greater influence and control over their lives. The objective is to ensure that efforts are directed to re-mobilizing communities, giving them cutting edge information and knowledge that enable them to individually and collectively promote and protect their rights. 

As ROHR Zimbabwe we believe that empowered citizens, who are networked and speaking with one voice, have the potential to serve as powerful change agents who have an impact on policy making and the enforcement of existing policies. Community empowerment would facilitate paradigm shift by communities from passive community life to intensive action oriented responses to human rights challenges. 

In pursuit of this goal and consistent with our unique values of bravery, action, responsiveness and assertiveness, ROHR Zimbabwe mobilized communities from day one in protests against human rights. In 2007 demonstrations were held to put pressure on the ZANU PF regime to stop human rights abuses in its quest to maintain a stranglehold grip on power and create a one-party state. 


In 2008, ROHR Zimbabwe was in the headlines on its principled stance that people needed to be accorded a chance to choose a Government of their choice through a free and fair ballot held in peaceful environment and monitored and observed by international bodies. More than 8 demonstrations were held countrywide in Harare, Matebeleland, Masvingo, Manicaland, Midlands and Mashonaland central. Even though some of the protest marches were met with the full force of police brutality and violently cracked down, the strong desire to seek real change that subsisted in the people of Zimbabwe never died, and still exists in them now that an inclusive government is in place.  

CAPACITY BUILDING

   
From left to right: ROHR Zimbabwe workshop in Harare 26 June 2009; ROHR workshop in Gweru 15 May 2009

ROHR Zimbabwe is conscious of the good intentions the political parties in Zimbabwe had that led to the formation of the inclusive government although we are still worried that no tangible steps have been taken to address human rights violations as human rights defenders and political activists are constantly being harassed, detained and tortured.  

Due to the harsh environment that characterized the development landscape over the past few years, particularly attacks on human rights defenders, most activists have fled the country; have been disabled, killed, maimed, demobilized, and cowed into submission. In addition, structures and networks of activists have been infiltrated and weakened by the ruling ZANU PF, hence there is weak positive activism due to fear, targeted harassment and all manner of violations. 

Leadership development and capacity building workshops

So far this year, ROHR Zimbabwe carried out five workshops in Harare, Mutare, Bindura, Gweru and Bulawayo, in order to strengthen the provincial structures and to inspire, empower and motivate local activists to champion the cause of promoting and defending human rights in their communities. 

The main motivation behind these workshops is to develop a pool of radical activists, able to champion human rights issues and to keep the state parties in check. These activists should be resident at grassroots level to not only monitor the violations but also mobilize communities to timely act on issues that threaten the enjoyment of rights and fundamental freedoms. 

Under capacity building, other specific interventions by ROHR Zimbabwe include developing a human rights activists’ handbook, intensive training on human rights promotion and defense strategies and organizing activists at local level for more effective responses.


ACTIVE RESPONSES TO HUMAN RIGHTS CHALLENGES

ROHR Zimbabwe’s founding mandate is to actively engage citizens in timely and quick interventions that seek to mitigate on specific human rights degenerations in the country. This thematic area is not totally divorced from the objectives under community mobilization whose overall objective is to hold Government and its institutions accountable and responsive to peoples’ needs.  

Mindful of the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe in 2008 caused by the quasi-fiscal activities of the central bank Governor, ROHR Zimbabwe sponsored a lawsuit against Gideon Gono in September 2008. 

  

ROHR Zimbabwe shamed perpetrators of rights violations through naming and shaming such as in the case of Selina Mumbengegwi, the former finance Minister’s wife Samuel Mumbengegwi when she was implicated in the brutal murder of her farm worker and brutal assault of MDC supporters in her farm.

The naming and shaming strategy was planted into the seeds of the communities so much so that ownership of the action in the communities worked to deter a comfortable habitation for peddlers of violence in the 2008 inter-elections violence. In Masvingo, some political criminals fled their houses to other countries after they were named and shamed using the local communication channels aimed at disgracing such appalling behavior from fellow Zimbabweans.  

Acknowledgements

ROHR Zimbabwe wishes to acknowledge the following for their immeasurable contributions towards the activities and programmes carried out since 2007. It would be unfair if their contributions are not awarded the due respect they deserve:
• ROHR Zimbabwe leadership in the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe, especially the president Mr. Ephraim Tapa for his dedication towards the Zimbabwean plight. Mr. Tapa has been at the centre of mobilizing resources and funds for programmes and activities back in Zimbabwe.
• The United Kingdom structures for supporting ROHR Zimbabwe activities in Zimbabwe.
• Zimbabwe Vigil and the coordinator Rose Benton for their unwavering support and a strong partnership with ROHR Zimbabwe. 
• ROHR Zimbabwe secretariat and members, the struggle could not have been easy had it not been the support they rendered to the organization.

Way forward
 
ROHR Zimbabwe guided by the vision to see a society conscious of human rights, is still committed and will continue to fight for the full realization of rights in Zimbabwe. The coming of inclusive government gave an impression that reforms were underway but the situation has not changed much; rights violations are still going on. The human rights environment remains volatile and this demands that we continue to engage and put pressure on the government to ensure reforms that prioritise respect of human rights are put in place. We also intend to intensify civic education and community engagement to nurture a society that is human rights conscious, particular attention given to rural communities. A campaign for the incorporation of human rights curriculum in schools to educate the school children on human rights issues is also on the cards as we feel human rights violations were mainly due to a lack of proper knowledge on the subject of human rights (catch them young).

ROHR Zimbabwe is also keen to establish and reach out to people of Zimbabwe in their communities and set up structures from provincial to ward level, this has the potential of influencing policy reforms from bottom up the ladder to top and to facilitate the coordination of human rights activities or programs at grassroots level. 

 
From the information Department of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe
www.rohrzimbabwe.org

Press Statement from ROHR ZIMBABWE – 24th June 2009

Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe is deeply disturbed by a vicious, hate-fuelled and well-orchestrated campaign by some UK-based Zimbabwean online newsites aimed at discrediting ROHR Zimbabwe as an organisation and the personal integrity of Ephraim Tapa, its President. Chief among these are Nehanda Radio, Zimdaily and ZimEye. Articles on these newsites have accused ROHR Zimbabwe and its President of masterminding a spontaneous response from Zimbabweans to the Zimbabwe Prime Minister, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai’s call for Zimbabweans in the diaspora to ‘come back home’. ROHR Zimbabwe and its leadership wants to disassociate itself from these malicious accusations as they are baseless and outright falsehoods. We also want to state categorically that at no time did the organisation agree, let alone set an agenda to ridicule or disrupt the Southwark Cathedral meeting. Mr Tapa was not even at the meeting. We therefore dismiss the accusations with the contempt they deserve.
 
Why did the people boo the Prime Minister? Watching the online video clips, it is clear to see that the PM is loudly applauded at one point followed by a somewhat subdued reaction as he continues his speech, finally to be greeted by a spontaneous, deafening chorus of ‘Chinja!, Chinja! Mugabe must go!’ Truly this was not the work of Mr Ephraim Tapa or ROHR Zimbabwe and neither was it the work of its sister organisation, the Zimbabwe Vigil. To suggest so is to pour contempt on the conscience of the people of Zimbabwe whom we so respect. To launch this campaign on so little evidence mean that elements in the Zimbabwean UK Diaspora must feel very threatened by us as our message continues to reasonate with not only those in the Diaspora but also the wider constituency within Zimbabwe. The issue is that Zimbabwe is still not safe to return for those who fled persecution and are in need of international protection. ROHR Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Vigil does not apologise to anyone for our principled stance that ‘Mugabe Must Go’, our demand for democracy and justice, respect for the rule of law and the Restoration of Human Rights. It is interesting that groups like the Vigil and ROHR who are kept busy by real activism don’t have the time or inclination to decampaign other groups. 
 
ROHR and its President have been accused of many other crimes in a campaign that dates back to 2007, when the MDC-UK & I Executive, then led by Ephraim Tapa, was dissolved unconstitutionally. At NO time was Mr Tapa ever EXPELLED from the MDC Chairmanship and for the record, he actually declined to stand the second time he was requested to do so. Then, the call was for the Party to uphold its founding principles – constitutional democracy, transparency, accountability and justice for all. The ROHR President continues to cherish those values and, unlike some who have started glorifying Mr Mugabe with the advent of the inclusive government, continues to fight for GENUINE CHANGE. Whilst engaged in this struggle for human rights and notwithstanding his right to do so, Mr Ephraim Tapa does not for now have plans to seek any political office within any political party. And contrary to misleading theories being peddled by those who seek to detract from him, Mr Tapa harbours no rancour or vendetta against anyone within the MDC family.
 
The call NOW is for the inclusive government to address human rights concerns, uphold the rule of law and mete out justice to all those who perpetrated human rights abuses, including Robert Mugabe and his cronies. In its quest for these ideals, ROHR Zimbabwe has managed to create in three years a respectable national and international profile. Mindful of the suffering of Zimbabweans, ROHR Zimbabwe filed a lawsuit against Gono to remove cash withdrawal limits, mounted successful demonstrations in demand for justice and democracy, buried and cared for victims of the 2008 Mugabe terror campaign, provided basic necessities to vulnerable groups such as orphanages, the displaced, and disadvantaged school children, to name a few. We have registered a prominent presence in defence of human rights as we continue to operate legally in Zimbabwe, South Africa and the United Kingdom. It seems ROHR Zimbabwe has become the victim of its success.
 
ROHR Zimbabwe runs offices in Zimbabwe, employs staff, runs programmes and assists on humanitarian causes, and like any other organisation, it needs money to do this. As a membership based organisation, ROHR Zimbabwe depends mainly on the support of its membership. Monthly subscriptions are decided and managed as per its constitution and members reserve the right to vary this and determine the direction of the organisation. As an international organisation, ROHR Zimbabwe operates within the legal framework of host countries. Membership is open to the willing and those who join do so of their free will.
 
ROHR Zimbabwe is not a refugee or asylum organisation – it does not have the power to regularise anyone’s stay in any given country. We believe that those in need of international protection can only base their claims on their personal / activist profiles. The 1951 Geneva Convention provides that individuals can be recognised as refugees if they establish a “well-founded fear of prosecution on grounds of race, nationality, religious, ethnical, political opinion or membership of a social group who are outside the country of their nationality and are unable or, owing to that fear, unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country”. We are however aware that ROHR Zimbabwe members, their staff, supporters and activists have been persecuted under the Mugabe regime and still continue to face persecution, along with other human rights defenders, under the inclusive government. Therefore, whilst membership of ROHR Zimbabwe or participation at the Zimbabwe Vigil may be helpful, it is important that those who join us do so for what we do: defending and restoring human rights in Zimbabwe and not otherwise. 
 
ROHR Zimbabwe will continue to stand by the people of Zimbabwe whatever it takes and will not allow itself to be distracted by hate-filled individuals hiding behind the facade of gutter journalism. ROHR Zimbabwe will never be silenced, especially not by merchants of hatred, jealousy and disunity.
 
For SW Radio Africa’s broadcasts featuring the Vigil and ROHR’s position on what happened at the meeting at Southwark Cathedral on Saturday, 20th June, please check SW Radio’s Archives: Newsreel on Monday, 22nd June and Diaspora Diaries on Tuesday, 23rd June – www.swradioafrica.com. (http://www.swradioafrica.com/news220609/zimuk220609.htm)
 

Zimbabwe Poets For Human Right at the Day of the African Child

Scores of people from all walks of life gathered along first street in the city centre of Harare on Saturday 20th of June to commemorate the day in which more than 500 students were killed protesting against inferior education in apartheid South Africa in 1976. The Memeza maiden festival which exploded into dance, poetry, mbira and music was organized by Zimbabwe Poets for Human Rights(ZPHR) in conjunction with MISA Zimbabwe, Contradictions for Arts Development Trust (CADET) and Girl Child Network.

Memeza is a Ndebele word for ‘’speak out, shout ,scream’’. The festival which was held under the theme, “Africa fit for children” rolled into life around 10 00hrs through a live performance by a Mbare dance group Pachedu school of Arts. The audience were treated to an invigorating performance by Zimbabwe’s best young artist among others John Pfumojena, Alexio Kawara, Hope Kakuwe, Itai Madzikure (madiz) and poets from Zimbabwe poets for Human Rights. Also in attendance were school children from various schools.

Takura Mafika from the Mbira society applauded the artist for taking part in the festival and encouraged them not to tire as artist bear the burden of directing issues on addressing the problems facing the nation at large.

Speaking to journalist at the festival Mike Mabwe the coordinator of Zimbabwe Poets for Human rights said he was inspired to honor the Day of the African Child because it symbolizes what the Zimbabwean child is facing today. The youths and children are the hardest hit in the 29 year rule of Robert Mugabe which is characterized by a history of abuse of state resources, corruption, misrule rampant human rights abuses and betrayal of freedom. Zimbabwe once had the best education system in Africa when Robert Mugabe took over power from Ian Smith in 1980, but the last 29 years has been a reversal not only of the sound education system but also the gains of the liberation struggle. 

The majority of youths find themselves with nothing to do with unemployment estimated at 95%. Thanks to the state’s lake of diligent priorities the University of Zimbabwe where most of those in government were educated remains closed because of lack of water and dilapidated infrastructure.

Commenting on the role of the media, Tabani Moyo the advocacy officer of MISA Zimbabwe encouraged the inclusive government to move swiftly to address the deliberate moves of maintaining ZBC’s monopoly over the air waves. “On this fateful day 33 years ago, the African Child sow a seed of courage by clearly expressing that he/she could no-longer stomach the unjust society they were living in, but it did not end there, their struggle shapes our country’s struggles today as we seek to challenge the suffocation of the media space on a day to day basis.

There are some political parties which continue to behave as if they are the ZBC shareholders. You the people of Zimbabwe are the genuine shareholders and you should be accorded the right to direct ZBC’s operations… By the same token, it is the right of every community to establish community radios but since 2001 when the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) was promulgated no single license has been issued to the communities.’’

Speaking on behalf of the ZPHR, the advocacy information and advocacy officer Thomson Phiri said Memeza was the beginning and not the end. It is set to become an annual event targeted at bringing artist from the region. The festival will seek to empower children to speak out on challenges they face in daily lives which include sex trafficking, sexual abuse, exorbitant tuition fees, poverty and the scourge of the HIV and aids pandemic.

By Ronald Mureverwi

ROHR leadership development workshop in Harare

On Friday 19 June 2009 Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe held a leadership development workshop in Harare. Delegates were drawn from the 29 constituencies of Harare and Chitungwiza. Leadership development workshops have been previously held in Manicaland, Mashonaland central, Bulawayo and Midlands. The workshops are part of the campaign aimed at creating a pool of community based activists with core capacities in promoting and defending human rights.

Presenters were drawn from local civil society leaders and ROHR membership. ZINASU spokesperson Blessing Vava who presented on state of the media in Zimbabwe asserted that the role of the media in a democracy is to empower people with information. Vava spoke of the polarization that still characterizes the media in Zimbabwe despite the coming in of the inclusive government. Speaking on behalf of ZINASU, Vava called for repeal of Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) and Public Order and Security Act (POSA) to allow reforms that promote freedom of expression and diversity to be put in place. 

NATIONAL HEALING
On national healing and reconciliation Mr. Claris Madhuku chairman of Platform for Youth Development Trust (PYD) said that the government is disregarding democratic principles by taking leading role in processes that should be directly people driven.
Madhuku further highlighted that it was suicidal to follow the government’s formula on national healing and reconciliation. 

General consensus in the workshop was that the current process will not yield meaningful results arguing that violence was still widespread in rural and urban areas.

Participants at the workshop unanimously conformed to the fact the government has no mandate to lead national healing and reconciliation advocating for an independent commission to spearhead the process. It was clearly pointed out that Zanu PF was still in control of government processes and activities despite two MDC formations having joined the government. 

Edgar Chikuvire, ROHR Zimbabwe information and communication director submitted that the agenda of national healing could be equated to misdirection, a concept used by Magicians that diverts peoples’ attention to what the performer wants it to be, while doing something underhand that will escape public scrutiny. The overall effect is that people will suddenly face a new reality which they never saw coming.  
   
(L) Harare provincial committee (R) Workshop delegates at ZLHR boardroom.  

CONSTITUTION
People said that the current constitutional making process was heavily flawed and encouraged the government to ensure that the process is democratic and people driven. 

The common feeling was that a flawed process can only produce a flawed outcome. Few among the delegates felt that civil society organizations would have lost an opportunity saying that their participation had a greater influence on the outcome.  

ROHR secretary General Tichanzii Gandanga spoke about ROHR’s position in relation to the current constitutional making process which he said fell short of democratic standards. Gandanga said from the day it was founded ROHR has been advocating for a democratic and people driven constitutional making process.

What the people said:
• That the current constitutional making process is flawed and will produce flawed results.
• That politicians distance themselves from the national healing process since most of them were involved in human rights abuses.
• That media reforms be put in place to promote freedom of expression and diversity of views.
• That civil society organizations reach out to communities with educational campaign to empower people with information for them make informed decisions and contributions.

Report of the ROHR Zimbabwe workshop in Mutare – 10 June 2009

On Wednesday 10 June 2009 ROHR Zimbabwe held a leadership development workshop in Mutare. Delegates were drawn from the eight districts of Manicaland. 
This year, ROHR Zimbabwe has since done 4 workshops in Mashonaland central, Matebeleland, and Midlands and Manicaland. The workshop are an opportunity for the organizations to strengthen its structures of human rights leaders within the communities who should influence local initiatives for the effective advocacy and defense for people’s rights and freedoms. 

The platforms are also, and more importantly, used as an opportunity for the organization to consult on the people on current national issues and also to capture their opinions and views. 

The meeting which was facilitated by ROHR National Chairman, also drew participation from colleagues in other organizations such as Zimbabwe lawyers for human rights, Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD), National Constitutional Assembly, Mutare residents associations and supporters of the three political parties (ZANU PF, MDC – T and MDC – M)

What the people said:

On Constitution (GPA Article VI)

 The constitution is a social contract between the leaders and the led. The led tell the leaders that we do not all desire to rule can you do it on our behalf but do it well. Therefore the constitution is an opportunity for the led to decide exactly how the leaders should lead the people. 

 The process of making the Zimbabwe constitution will also determine the quality and content of the constitution. The content of the new constitution should reflect the aspirations of the people and more importantly rescue Zimbabwe from the paradigm that brought it down to its knees in the past decade. 

 People said the constitution making phase must not be used as misdirection by politicians who might see it as an opportunity to shift people’s attention from the politically motivated crimes done after the 29 March elections.  

On Promotion of Equality, National healing, Cohesion and Unity (GPA article VII)

The people said they learnt of the Inclusive Government’s intention to persuade people to forgive each and forget the effects of the 2008 political violence as a prerequisite for national unity and development.

However, some participants were vowing to revenge what happened to them none the less. 

Some people said that it would be difficult for people to forget while known perpetrators were still walking scot free with their lives. An example was given of Joseph Chinotimba the vice chairman of a war veterans association, who they alleged to have killed many people in Buhera where he contested as an MP candidate and lost. They allege that Chinotimba tied the dead bodies to the trailer of his truck in public display, threatening people with the same fate if they refused to support ZANU PF. 

The MDC was warned not to rush to the media and the communities with forgive and forget message because the people still do not trust ZANU PF. they see ZANU PF turning back and reactivating its crack down on the people. Will MDC be able to face the same people telling them that they lied?

Here are some of the highlights of what people said on the issue of National healing and reconciliation:

 This is not the right time to call for national healing and reconciliation because the violence is still happening within communities.

 There is no guarantee that politicians have reformed and people live in constant fear that the violence campaign can easily begin since the ZANU PF’s infrastructure of violence is still intact. Commanders of the army, who were known as ward coordinators are still in the camps that were used to unleash terror in the communities in 2008.

 People feel that Article VII of the GPA conveniently avoided the use of the word Justice. There should be justice and if possible compensation before the Government starts talking about National unity. 

 Women in the conference pointed out that there is not money that will be able to compensate the damage (psychological and physical) done to rape victims.  

Delegates at the workshop spoke hard against the government led national healing and reconciliation process which they said was a clear sign of lack of proper commitment to heal the nation and move forward. It was clearly spelt out that the nation is not ripe for national healing; many spoke against the government’s involvement in the process saying that this could negatively affect people’s participation. Participants said that a credible process can only be led by independent persons free of government’s interference like the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission that was led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. 

People present also encouraged the government and civil society to find common ground and work together in the constitutional reform process which they said was the only missing link for free and fair elections. Most of the delegates said that a people driven constitution comes from a people driven process. The government cannot decide how it shall govern the people since it is only the duty of citizens to define how they shall be governed by writing a constitution for themselves.

The workshop attendants reiterated the need for peace alleging that violence was still widespread in rural areas. Recent cases of political violence were reported where purported MDC supporters had their houses burnt down in Chipinge and Nyanga in May 2009.

Special feature: 'Is this the right time?'

6 April 2009

Dear Friend

Today we decided to bring you something different from our usual email briefs. 

Firstly we built our newsfeed today upon the foundation by laid ROHR Zimbabwe’s countrywide leadership development workshops and consultations being done currently. Secondly we invite your feedback on thoughts relayed in the transcript below. 

On 15 May 2009, ROHR Zimbabwe carried a workshop in Gweru which was attended by our members and representatives of other organizations from Midlands. On the deliberations made, people gave their opinions on the burning topics of today such as the constitutional process, national healing and reconciliation, truth and justice and reparations, and the general human rights situation prevailing under the inclusive government.  

One contribution by a Gweru City father, Mr Willie Muringani was of particular interest to us because his speech touched on the issue of truth, justice and compensation which is central to us and also to a majority of victims of last year’s inter - elections violence in a way that is different from the mainstream arguments we have heard today. Therefore we decided to share the short speech with you today. 

Please write to us and tell us what you think about Mr Muringani’s thoughts on info@rohrzim.org, or rohrinfo@gmail.com. 

We are discussing and referring all our point far back there, we are talking about history, isn’t it? We are talking about Gukurahundi? We also talked about what happened in Midlands? Murambatsvina? And perhaps we talked of something that is there about what happened in June? Isn’t it. 

Zvinhu zvakaoma (Things are tough) Is this the correct time to talk ladies and gentlemen, to talk about national reconciliation, truth and justice and compensation? Now! is it correct? Do we trust the government? Do we trust the police? - We don’t trust these people isn’t it?

I think earlier on somebody said we got a window and we should prioritise the things that we have at stake. we need to use the window that we have, to correct the situation which is there. How do we correct the situation? 
 
If we manage to write the constitution of this country and also make sure that the people who are going to use that constitution do not break it, are honest people then we go ahead ,then we can look at national healing, then we look at reconciliation. How can you look at reconciliation now when people are being brutalised at farms? now! Unozviita sei izvozvo? ( how do you do that?). People have just been arrested recently? 

Handiti Muchadehama asungwa, (Rights lawyer Muchadehama has been arrested), Jestina and others are being recalled to Chikurubi prison isn’t it? So you can actually see what is happening, we are right on the road. The inclusive government cannot do it? they cannot do it! They are having at the moment sticky cases that they cannot come out of. 

I’m appealing to ROHR that meetings of this nature should be taken out in the rural areas, where there are a lot of people there who need to be opened up. Isu muno (us here) in the urban areas sometimes we read papers isn’t it? We open u a little bit isn’t it? 

Like the other gentleman who indicated that panopuhwa chibage zvonzi chibage chakanzi chinozouya kuna nhingi (when maize is being given it is distributed selectively to predetermined people), you know you can’t tackle that one. If we are able to open up, what is in the rural areas and tell those people and try to educate, those people need education.

I think you people you are well aware last time before the 29 March elections, a lot of things changed. maconstituencies akachinja (constituencies were changed) because there was a point that more people were in the rural areas, manga musingazvioni here? (Were you not aware of that?), most of the people in the rural areas were being targeted so that they could put the same people in power and continue to frustrate and stamp on the people.

No, no I think nguva yekuti tiregererane aisati yasvika (The time for us to forgive each other hasn’t come yet) [audience applause] because we know who killed who killed who [applause] Ndinoziva nhasi akaponda nhingi akaponda munin’ina wangu ndinomuziva, (I know today the person(s) who murdered my young brother) at the moment and nothing has been done ,hapana chakaitwa (Nothing has been done).

So, you can’t talk about that one, we need to foster through timboona kuti constitution ingaitwa here. (wait and see If the constitution can be done)  

                                                           ------- end ---------

Civic education a priority to allow meaningful national healing and constitutional reform processes

The rural people who forms the bigger portion of the country’s population are in dire need of civic education and empowerment if they are to contribute effectively and immensely in the national healing and constitutional reform processes. The rural population forms more than seventy percent of the whole Zimbabwean population. There has to be maximum participa-tion from the rural populace if national healing and constitutional reform processes are to be genuinely reflective of the wishes and aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe. These were some of the views ROHR Zimbabwe got from its two workshops in Gweru and Bulawayo.
 
Speaker after speaker appealed to civic organizations to intensify civic education especially in rural areas where infrastructural development is lagging behind as compared to urban ar-eas. Rural people especially youths and women have been subjected to manipulation by poli-ticians for personal aggrandizement. Such mentality is what the workshop participants said were the major reason derailing development in the country. Youths and women who are supposed to be involved in development projects are seen as mere agents of political power.
 
Information disseminated in the media do not reach these people, there is little infrastructure to allow free flow of information. There is no internet connection, no electricity and some ar-eas have no radio or television transmission. These people deserve just like any other Zim-babwean the right to know and participate in the governance of their country.
 
Most of the organizations are centered in urban areas where people can easily access inter-net and newspapers. But the rural folks are prone to manipulation by politicians who want to satisfy their own personal enrichment at their expense. 

As ROHR Zimbabwe we appeal to the government to ensure that national healing and con-stitutional reform process is adequately marketed to the rural population for them to make meaningful contributions.