Zim records decline in human rights violations

In its monthly report for May, ZPP said violations ranged from partisan distribution of food aid and agricultural inputs, assault, harassment and intimidation.

A LATEST Zimbabwe Peace Project situational report on human rights has noted a decline in violations: From 145 in April to 132 recorded in May, with Zanu PF cited as the main culprit at 61,83% of registered cases.

In its monthly report for May, ZPP said violations ranged from partisan distribution of food aid and agricultural inputs, assault, harassment and intimidation.

Also included were violations of the right to equality and non-discrimination.

“Other violations include unlawful detention, theft, displacement and malicious damage to property,” the report read.

“Human rights violations were also recorded during the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill public hearings held between May 13 and 17 countrywide.”

The report said 22 violations were recorded in Masvingo, while Midlands and Harare recorded 20 violations each.

In Manicaland, there were 19 violations, 17 in Mashonaland West, 12 in Mashonaland Central and 11 in Mashonaland East.

“In Bulawayo, five human rights violations were documented, with Matabeleland North and South provinces recording three violations each,” part of the report read.

According to the report released this week, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and municipal police contributed 13,36% and 9,54% of the violations.

“Other perpetrators of human rights violations included State security officials and the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) both at 0,76%,” the report said.

“87% of the victims of human rights (violations) were ordinary citizens, while citizens affiliated to the CCC party constituted 8,79% of the victims.

“Informal traders were among the victims of human rights violations making up 3,49%. Citizens supporting politician Nelson Chamisa constituted 0,65% of the victims documented by ZPP, while 0,07% were affiliated to Zanu PF.”

The report said 41,25% of the victims were female while 58,75% were male.

In the report, ZPP urged the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Integrity and Ethics Committee of Chiefs and other government institutions to investigate the cases and bring justice to the victims.

On Sunday, police officers unleashed violence on scores of opposition supporters gathered at their leader Jameson Timba’s house in Avondale, Harare.

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