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Saturday 14 September 2019

Open letter to President E.D. Mnangagwa


By Weston Mupfururirwa

13th September 2019

The care for the disabled in our country

After reading all your campaign billboards and listening to your rally speeches I can’t help but notice that you have never addressed the plight of the disabled people in our country, Zimbabwe. The disabled have been marginalized and little help is available for them in making their day to day lives easier.

With ample political will, a lot could be done to accommodate the needs of the disabled in our society. For example, efforts could be made to breed guide dogs trained to the same, if not higher, standards than police dogs. This could go a long way in making the life of the visually impaired or blind much easier.

Jairos Jiri dedicated his life towards looking after the disabled but since his death, the government hasn’t done much to improve the lives of the disabled especially considering that we are now in the 21st century. Many disabled people are still crawling from point A to B in the course of their day to day lives. Government has the wherewithal to address this. For example, wheelchairs could be procured for them for free or at subsidized costs.

A lot of public toilets are still not disabled-friendly. Same goes for public transport and buildings.

When you shout your slogan ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’ consider the care of the disadvantaged people in your country first before engaging in business with other countries.

Get your priorities right Mr President. We are not at war with any country. Therefore arms and ammunition should not take precedence over the needs of the people of Zimbabwe, the disabled included. Our disabled people matter.

Weston Mupfururirwa is a Zimbabwean human rights activist based in the United Kingdom.
He can be contacted by email via westonmupfururirwa@gmail.com

Friday 30 August 2019

STATEMENT BY BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIRPERSON ON THE TWELFTH ANNIVERSARY OF RESTORATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS (ROHR) ZIMBABWE ON 30.08.2019


Today marks the 12th Anniversary of ROHR Zimbabwe, the leading organisation registered in Zimbabwe to champion, defend, promote and bridge Human Rights for all Zimbabweans.

We are proud and honoured to  continue to work side by side with the people of Zimbabwe, both within and outside of our borders, as we remain resolute on issues that remain outstanding from the First Republic of Robert Gabriel Mugabe and now even worse so in the Second Republic of Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.

We salute today every man and woman, every boy and girl who is focused on upright nation building. Even as daily tasks get harder and at times impossible for so many on home soil and in diaspora.

The cry for sincere advocates and good and honest people in leadership and positions of influence has never been louder. We as an organisation heed that call and we will not stop until Zimbabwe is 'a normal nation.'

We are the chosen generation. We have built alliances and structures as well as a strong social capital base to persevere on with our efforts. We will not allow Zimbabwe to settle for mediocrity. We stand in the gap knowing always that we deserve better.

Let each and every member of ROHR Zimbabwe smile today especially and celebrate this day. Many fell by the wayside over the years but every drop of sweat, blood and tears shed we use to fuel our cause. It is a cause worth fighting for.

To every member, thank you for all your sacrifices and volunteering, above all, the love and concern for one another.

On behalf of all The Board of Trustees members and Executive Teams and Branch  Leaders- makorokoto, amhlophe, congratulations. 

Grace Mupfurutsa
ROHR Zimbabwe
Board of Trustees Chairperson

Saturday 24 August 2019

STATEMENT BY RESTORATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS (ROHR) ZIMBABWE ON ABDUCTIONS, TORTURE AND ARBITRARY DETENTIONS AND ARRESTS OCCURRING IN ZIMBABWE


23 August 2019

As Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe we are greatly concerned by the blatant disregard of the Zimbabwean people’s Constitutional rights by the government. In recent months there has been a systematic targeting of civil society leaders, human rights defenders and some members of the opposition party in direct contravention of the Constitution under Section 53, Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Section 59, Freedom to demonstrate and petition and Section 61, Freedom of expression and freedom of the media. 

We have observed a worrying pattern of established State repression similar to events that occurred on the 1st of August 2018 and January 2019. There has also been an increase in the number of people who have been charged with Subverting Constitutional Government as in the cases of Tatenda Mombeyarara, George Makoni, Frank Mpahlo, Gamuchirai Mukura and Farirai Gumbonzvanda, human rights defenders, who were arrested and charged with Subverting Constitutional Government on the 20th of May 2019. On the 7th of June in response to those charges, Justice Chitapi stated that the State had arrested these individuals to investigate and did not investigate first. The Justice concluded that by these individuals attending the CANVAS workshop in Prague it did not show subversion and as a result they were released.

For some of the people who have been detained and arrested, the government has failed in their duty in according them their rights under Section 50, Rights of the arrested and detained, Section 51, Right to dignity and Section 53, Freedom from torture. When Job Sikhala was arrested on the 10th of July 2019, his lawyers could not locate him at Harare Central Police where he had been detained as he had been surreptitiously moved to Gutu under blindfold without his lawyer’s knowledge.

This year has also seen an increase in abductions and torture as in the cases of Obert Masaraure, ARTUZ President, who received severe beatings, Tatenda Mombeyarara, MDC Youth Leader, who sustained a broken leg, fractured hand, damaged kidneys and chemical burns on his skin, Samantha Kureya, a comedian, who is better known as Gonyeti was abducted and beaten for her satires on the 21st of August 2019 despite the fact that every Zimbabwean citizen has the right to freedom of expression. The government has been very lax in their investigations with regards to these abductions and torture and as a result no one has been brought to account for them.

Demonstrations are a right that is enshrined in the Constitution, but the government have not permitted citizens to exercise this right. The demonstrations that were scheduled for the 16th of August in Harare, 19th of August in Bulawayo, 20th of August in Gweru and the 22nd of August in Masvingo were not permitted to be held. In Harare the police used tear gas, excessive force and brutality to disperse the people who were peacefully gathered as they waited for the permission to proceed and in other cities there was a strong police presence preventing people from assembling together and demonstrating.

It is imperative that the Government observes in full provisions laid out in the 2013 Constitution.

                                                                    END

Saturday 20 July 2019

ROHR Zimbabwe Scotland Branch Launch Meeting Saturday 20th July 2019 Report


20th July 2019

ROHR Zimbabwe Scotland Branch Launch Meeting Saturday 20th July 2019 Report
On Saturday 20th July 2019 Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe human rights activists from various cities and towns in the UK converged at Motel One, 78 – 82 Oswald Street, Glasgow G1 4PL, Scotland for a meeting and the official launch of the Scotland Branch of the UK Chapter of ROHR Zimbabwe. The meeting was chaired by Panyika Karimanzira (Board member and Spokesperson for ROHR Zimbabwe). It started at 15:00 hrs.

Also, officiating at the meeting was another Board member, Delina Mutyambizi who, together with two other ROHR Zimbabwe members Magadaline Moyo and Estery Dhliwayo had travelled all the way from Manchester to partake in this special event.

The meeting was a culmination of a process, the brainchild of Olivia Chamboko that started with the coming together of members resident in Scotland to form a branch. After a period of caucusing via a bespoke WhatsApp group they then agreed on a date for the official launch of the Scotland branch.

Register of attendance
Olivia Chamboko, Alvina Chibhamu, Vongayi Mufara, Edward Rhappozzoh, Lindah Chenyama, Abigail Chidavayenzi, Sean Chipango, Delina Mutyambizi, Estery Dhliwayo, Magadaline Moyo and Panyika Karimanzira.

Apologies were received from Don Mangisi, Bethuli Makuwe and Margaret Jenkins.

Upon calling the meeting to order at 15:00 hrs Panyika Karimanzira asked for self-introductions before delving into the business of the day. He went on to narrate the history of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe first before explaining, in detail, the roles and responsibilities of each portfolio (Chairperson, Secretary, Organizing Secretary, Treasurer, Information & Publicity Secretary, Committee Members, Fundraising Committee Members and, where relevant, their deputies). Participants were afforded an opportunity to ask questions or seek further clarification and the Chairperson duly obliged.

Delina Mutyambizi explained, in detail, the role of Organizing Secretary and also took questions from the floor on this topic.

Magadaline Moyo explained the importance of activism, networking and forging alliances with other human rights organizations and social movements, e.g. LIST and LGBT Foundation, both of which are LGBT organisations in Manchester of which she is also a member.

Once everyone had confirmed that they had understood what would be expected of them if they were nominated and accepted a role in the new Branch’s executive committee, the chairperson called for the nomination and election process to start in earnest.

The process was presided over by the two Board members present. The process led to the election of individuals into portfolios. At the end of the process Delina Mutyambizi officially announced the new executive committee of the Scotland Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe as follows;

The new Scotland Branch committee
Chairperson: Olivia Chamboko
Secretary: Alvina Chibhamu
Organizing Secretary: Vongayi Mufara
Treasurer: Abigail Wadzanayi Chidavayenzi
Information & Publicity Secretary: Sean Chipango (acting) with the assistance of Olivia Chamboko
Fundraising Committee Member: Lindah Chenyama
Committee Member: Don Mangisi
Committee Member: Edward Rhappozzoh


After the usual congratulatory civilities and protocols Panyika Karimanzira handed over the chairing of the meeting to the newly elected Chairperson of the Scotland branch committee, Olivia Chamboko to mark the official birth of the branch.

Olivia Chamboko led a robust discussion covering several topics including the potential of the new branch, the recruitment of new members, campaigns, demonstrations, petitions and networking. Everyone in the meeting participated in the ensuing discussion.

Abigail Chidavayenzi described how she had since established contact and rapport with a prominent human rights activist on the ground in Zimbabwe and how the new branch could benefit from this relationship. The meeting agreed to pursue this matter further together with that of potential networking partners mentioned by Sean Chipango.

Vongayi Mufara, Lindah Chenyama and Edward Rhappozoh were upbeat about their new roles and each promised maximum effort in seeing to the success of the new branch.

During her closing remarks, she singled out the following members for a special vote of thanks; -
·         Sean Chipango for securing the venue of the meeting and for offering to assist the Information & Publicity portfolio.
·         Alvina Chibhamu for volunteering to take the minutes of this meeting.
·         Delina Mutyambizi and Panyika Karimanzira for mentorship in the run up to the branch launch
·         Estery Dhliwayo for the travel logistics of the delegation from Manchester
·         The Manchester delegation comprising Delina Mutyambizi, Estery Dhliwayo and Magadaline Moyo for travelling all the way to officiate at and support the launch of the new branch.

The meeting ended at 17.15 hrs.


To view pictures taken at the event, click here or follow link below.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohr_zimbabwe__manchester/albums/72157709791449212


By: Information & Publicity Department











Thursday 30 May 2019

Intimidation and Rape... what has happened to Victims?


Intimidation and Rape... what has happened to Victims?

In Zimbabwe, rape has been used as a form of intimidation by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Military and State Agents since the year 2000. The highest level of Rape Victims that came forward has been documented to be in the years of 2008 to 2009 during the period of the Zimbabwe General Elections.

Rape continues to happen, but much fewer rape victims are coming forward to report this crime since the perpetrators are those in authority. It is widely known that in Zimbabwe corruption is rife at all levels, as a result Rape victims have lost confidence in the Zimbabwean Criminal and Justice System. Victims are ashamed, scared and embarrassed to even voice out the abuse let alone report the authoritative perpetrators.

In January 2019, during a Civil #Shutdown protest against fuel hikes, it was widely reported women and young girls where raped or sexually assaulted. Approximately 14 cases were reported between the 14th and 15th of January 2019 of women having been raped. Some victims came forward anonymously during a report by Sky News and spoke out about what had happened to them. This was publicly disputed by President Mnangagwa, the Police Spokesperson Charity Charamba and the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Nick Mangwana. This forced many other victims not to come forward as those in positions of authority had rejected that rape had occurred, thus victims felt investigations would not happen, their faith in the fairness of the courts was destroyed.

Organisations such as Amnesty International, Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe, Human Rights Watch and Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) all condemned the intimidation tactics used by the Zanu PF led Zimbabwean Government which included the raping of women. Over 4 months on from the Civil #Shutdown in January 2019, no action has been taken by the government to investigate the rape, sexual assaults claims and the government has not even facilitated the provision of counselling services to help victims who come forward.

The international media has remained silent and it seems the victims of rape (future victims of rape and sexual assaults) have been silenced into oblivion and will continue to suffer in silence whilst the world has forgotten about them.


References

























































Written and Researched by



Lilian Tinashe Nleya and Daisy Mandianike



Rohr Zimbabwe Midlands Branch.



25 May 2019

Tuesday 2 April 2019

ROHR Zimbabwe’s Magadaline Moyo continues to shine in her networking and advocacy work


ROHR Zimbabwe’s Magadaline Moyo continues to shine in her networking and advocacy work


It is not every day that one gets to brush shoulders with a celebrity, let alone share the stage with them.
But when Magadaline Moyo was invited to speak at Hepden Bridge Film festival 2019 on 24th March 2019 at Hepden Bridge Picture House, she took it in stride due to her longstanding networking and advocacy work for ROHR Zimbabwe, at the helm of the Zimbabwean human rights organization’s LGBT thematic group.

Hepden Bridge Film festival 2019 which was running from 22nd to 24th March 2019 was being graced by a number of celebrities, including Kenyan actress, Sheila Munyiva.

Magadaline Moyo did not disappoint, considering she was coming on stage after rising star Kenyan actress Sheila Munyiva’s film “Rafiki” had just been screened, and that she was addressing a packed audience at the imposing Hepden Bridge Picture House.

Magadaline Moyo mainly spoke about the struggle her LGBT community encountered in Zimbabwe, in the face of an uncompromising regime and a deliberately vague legal framework when it comes to LGBT matters. Add to this a very conservative society behind which a brutal regime was only too glad to hide as it trampled upon the rights of a considerable and vulnerable portion of the Zimbabwean society.

She drew comparisons between what was happening in Kenya, as highlighted by the film “Rafiki” and by the very fact that the film had been banned in Kenya and what was happening in Zimbabwe where gays and lesbians are leading a “hide and seek” life for fear of persecution.

Her speech drew deafening applause, a sign that she had articulated issues adeptly.



For background, follow this link.
(https://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/whats-on/tv-and-film/kenyan-actress-will-visit-hebden-bridge-film-festival-1-9638886)


By:- Information & Publicity Team,
Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe

Monday 21 January 2019

STATEMENT BY RESTORATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS (ROHR) ZIMBABWE ON THE SHOOTING OF CIVILIANS BY SOLDIERS

STATEMENT BY RESTORATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS (ROHR) ZIMBABWE ON THE SHOOTING OF CIVILIANS BY SOLDIERS_WEEK COMMENCING 14TH JANUARY 2019
Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe once again strongly condemns the shooting of unarmed civilians by members of the Zimbabwe National Army, Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) operatives and ZANU-PF militia in Harare, Bulawayo and other locations in Zimbabwe during and in the aftermath of the “Shut Down Zimbabwe” protests in the week commencing Monday 14th January 2019, using live ammunition. This left at least twelve people dead, more than 200 injured, thousands displaced and hundreds in hiding. We find the actions of the said state apparatus and ZANU-PF militia barbaric, unlawful, criminal and unacceptable regardless of the circumstances.
We pass our condolences to all those who lost loved ones because of the shootings and torture by state machinery and ZANU-PF militia during this period. Our prayers are with the injured and we wish them speedy and complete recovery. We also pray for the displaced and those being hounded by the state apparatus and ZANU-PF militia.
We have observed that similar shootings on 1st August 2018 served as a precursor and established a worrying pattern of state repression and a dictatorship that has abandoned all manner of pretence.
We reiterate that there can never be any justification for extra-judicial killings.
We condemn the shutting down of the internet and blocking of social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook during this period. We can only imagine that this was in order that the state carries out crimes against humanity out of sight from international scrutiny.
We equally condemn the ongoing nocturnal door to door hounding operation by state apparatus and ZANU-PF militia during which they are violently housebreaking, kidnapping, torturing, unlawfully detaining and even murdering perceived civil society and political activists.
We also condemn the kidnapping of children, some as young as 9 years of age, by state apparatus and ZANU-PF militia and the detention of these children in Police cells together with adults.
We also condemn the discernibly conspiratory and flagrant disregard of due process by the judiciary in handling matters of citizens arrested for purported offences during the “Shut Down” period.
We condemn the planting of disguised ZANU-PF youths amongst peaceful demonstrators with a view to instigating and leading the looting and violence thereby tarnishing the thrust of the demo and to causing the level of mayhem that would justify Police intervention.
We also condemn anyone who engaged in looting, violence and any other crime during the stay away / demonstrations.
We urge the powers that be to restrain and censor the Army, Police, CIO and ZANU-PF militia and to hold them to account for the deaths, kidnappings, abductions, torture, persecution and injuries.
We thank ZDHR, ZLHR, ZHRF, CiZC and all civic society organizations and individuals who are partaking in efforts to alleviate the hardships of affected citizens and to record and expose incidents of brutality by state functionaries and ZANU-PF militia.
Demonstrations are a right enshrined in The Constitution of Zimbabwe (Section 59) and in this instance, citizens had genuine and reasonable grievances to do with economic hardships which tended to impact on other human rights (e.g. right to life).
Conclusion: the actions of the army which led to the unnecessary loss of life point to an urgent call for the country to revert to a constitutional order. Soldiers should never at any time be deployed in civilian activities. There is therefore an urgent need to de-militarize the republic if at all it is to emerge from the current fragile state to a full-fledged democracy.
All citizens expect protection from the state and not to be terrorised especially in their own homes.

***************END****************
Information & Publicity Department


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