ZLHR Calls for Government Action to Criminalise Torture in Zimbabwe

• ZLHR calls on Zimbabwe’s government to criminalise torture and seek justice.
• International Day in Support of Victims of Torture highlights ongoing issues of torture.
• Historical violence in 2008 serves as a reminder of injustice and suffering in Zimbabwe.
• UN recommendations pressure the government to take action against torture.
• The fight against impunity remains a significant challenge in Zimbabwe.

ZLHR calls for real action against torture

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) have issued a profound call to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, urging it to take decisive action against torture in the country. This appeal came on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, which takes place every June 27. The advocacy group expressed their deep disappointment regarding the administration’s persistent inaction to hold those responsible for torture accountable, something that has been a pressing issue for years.

Historical context of torture in Zimbabwe

This day is particularly poignant for Zimbabweans, as it marks the anniversary of the brutal political violence in 2008, which culminated in widespread attacks on supporters of the late opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. Over 300 of his followers lost their lives, yet justice continues to evade the victims’ families. The ZLHR has emphasized that torture remains a grim reality within detention centers, especially affecting those who face political persecution, and security forces are frequently cited as the perpetrators. They argue that the government is failing in its constitutional responsibilities, particularly noting that section 53 of the Constitution explicitly forbids torture.

Urgent need to address torture legislation

The human rights organization is increasingly worried about the government’s failure to fight impunity that allows these crimes to go unchecked. Despite numerous pressures from civic organizations and recommendations from several member states of the United Nations, Zimbabwe has yet to ratify the UN Convention Against Torture, reflecting a troubling lack of commitment to human rights. ZLHR remarked that signing and ratifying this convention could be a critical step in preventing torture and supporting the rights of victims and survivors, emphasizing that those who engage in such acts must face justice, as torture is, fundamentally, a crime against humanity.

In summary, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights are urgently imploring the government to criminalize torture and ensure justice for its victims. The historical context surrounding political violence in 2008 looms large, as does the ongoing plight of politically persecuted individuals facing torture today. The call for the ratification of international conventions against torture underscores the pressing need for accountability and adherence to human rights in Zimbabwe.