We are deeply concerned about grave human rights violations in Zimbabwe and condemn the violent repression of peaceful protesters, including the leaders and members of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, who called for a peaceful three-day strike in mid-January. Since then, security forces have used live ammunition against civilians, killing at least 12 people and wounding 78 others. Civil society activists and opposition politicians have been arbitrarily arrested and detained. Our colleagues in Zimbabwean human rights groups report that police and men in military uniform are conducting door-to-door raids in urban areas, during which rapes and beatings have occurred.

On coming to power in November 2017, President Mnangagwa spoke of a “new and unfolding democracy” in Zimbabwe. Yet all forms of democratic governance must allow people to exercise their human rights. No citizen should be killed, harmed or harassed for peaceful dissent, and all individuals who have been arbitrarily detained should be released immediately. If the government of Zimbabwe is truly committed to holding to account those who have committed abuses, it will formally invite the African Union or the UN to conduct an independent investigation. It is unacceptable for the UK government to continue to entertain the government of Zimbabwe’s request for a review of its relationship with the international community while civilians continue to be assaulted and killed and an independent investigation has not been conducted.

Michael Buraimoh Director, Action for Southern Africa

Peter Hain Honorary vice-president, Action for Southern Africa

Frances O’Grady General secretary, Trades Union Congress

Mick Whelan General secretary, ASLEF

Manuel Cortes General secretary, TSSA

Dave Prentis General secretary, Unison

Chris Keates General secretary, NASUWT

Chi Onwurah MP Chair, APPG on Africa

Robert Hughes Treasurer, APPG on Zimbabwe

Clare Short Former secretary of state for international development

Kate Allen Director, Amnesty International UK

Dewa Mavhinga Southern Africa director, Human Rights Watch

Asad Rehman Executive director, War on Want

Rev Canon Garth Hewitt Amos Trust

Geoffrey Bindman QC

Ephraim Tapa Zimbabwe Vigil co-ordinator

Patricia Masamba Zimbabwe Vigil co-ordinator

Rose Benton Zimbabwe Vigil co-ordinator



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