Urgent Statement on the Current Political Situation in Zimbabwe
15 November 2017
The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum) affirms its status as a non-governmental and non-partisan institution created to realize its vision of the enjoyment of all human rights by all. It is on the basis of cardinal principles which buttress the entire human rights architecture such as constitutionalism, respect for the rule of law, democracy and peace that the Forum makes the following statement.
The Forum is gravely concerned with the current political developments in Zimbabwe which has resulted in uncertainty and fear among all people in Zimbabwe.
Cognisant of the supremacy of the Constitution, the Forum wishes to state that the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides for foundational values and principles upon which the country is established and these include supremacy of the Constitution, the rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedoms, good governance, recognition of and respect for the liberation struggle, among others.
The Forum wishes to underscore that the peace which will create an environment conducive for the enjoyment of all fundamental rights by everyone should be built upon a sense of security and not fear. The Forum therefore calls upon all stakeholders to adhere to their constitutional mandates and to conduct their duties guided by our Constitution in a manner that reflects the resolve of Zimbabweans to live as equals in liberty, peace and harmony, free from fear, and in prosperity. We reiterate the urgency of adhering to the Constitution non-selectively.
The Forum appeals to all Zimbabweans to espouse the values of peace, tolerance and recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of each human being. We also call upon the Defence Forces of Zimbabwe, political leadership in the country, SADC, AU and the International community to urgently and expeditiously facilitate the resolution of the current political impasse and an urgent return to constitutionalism. It is imperative for the preservation of peace, respect for the rule of law, democracy and the enjoyment of all human rights by all people for immediate restoration of the constitutional order.
The Forum will continue to closely follow the situation in Zimbabwe and remains committed to its role to advocate for a democratic, peaceful and prosperous Zimbabwe in which everyone is treated equally and enjoy all fundamental rights freely.