BOCISCOZ on the current Human Rights situation in Zimbabwe

The Botswana Civil Society Solidarity Coalition for Zimbabwe (BOCISCOZ) facilitated by Botswana Council of Churches (BCC), Botswana Council of NGOs (BOCONGO), Botswana Sectors of Education and Trade Union (BOSETU), DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights and MISA–Botswana Chapter, is concerned about the police brutality, in response to the ongoing civil protests in Zimbabwe.

The surge in protests across the different parts of Zimbabwe have arisen because of increasing economic hardships, including their aggravation by a recent ban on a wide range of import, which range from coffee creamers and body cream to beds and fertiliser. The import ban not only threatens the livelihood of millions of Zimbabweans, but also militates against the spirit of free trade in our SADC region.

More than 80% of Zimbabweans are unemployed, according to the World Bank, although the government puts the figure at 11%. With unemployment in Zimbabwe so high, many rely on cross-border trading to survive. Killer Zivhu, head of the Zimbabwe Cross-Border Traders Association has indicated that more than three million Zimbabweans make a living buying goods in the region,particularly from neighbouring South Africa, and selling them in Zimbabwe.

International human rights law requires states to take measures to address violations of human rights (protection) and take measures to prevent their occurrence (respect).

In May 1991, Zimbabwe ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).4 As a party to this Covenant, Zimbabwe has an obligation to ensure that within its borders people have an adequate standard of living, which includes access to adequate health, food, medical care, social services, and economic security. Article 2 (1) of the ICESCR requires States “to take steps” to the maximum of their available resources to achieve progressively the full realization of economic, social and cultural rights.

The BOCISCOZ recognises that the Zimbabwean government introduced the import ban as a strategy to support the development of local industries.6 However, it is not viable as very few local companies can provide the basic consumer goods which are offered in neighbouring countries, especially in South Africa. This sudden control over imports will only lead to the emergence of a further development of the black market, as people struggle for their very survival.

The SADC Protocol on Trade, encourages free movement of goods, services, capital and labour. The Protocol’s main objectives are to further liberalise intra-regional trade in goods and services; ensure efficient production; contribute towards the improvement of the climate for domestic, cross-border and foreign investment; and enhance economic development, diversification and industrialisation of the region. What is happening in Zimbabwe seems to be a clear violation of the Protocol.

– Urge the Government of Zimbabwe to uphold the rule of law and respect the human right of people to freely express themselves,

– Urge the Government of Zimbabwe to respect court decisions and to not act extra-judicially,

– Urge the Government of Zimbabwe to revise all policies and legislation which unintentionally create an environment conducive to violent protests,

– Urge the Government of Zimbabwe to lift the import ban as it contravenes the SADC regional commitment to intra-regional trade, and

– Call upon the Chairman of SADC, His Excellency, Lt. General, Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of Botswana, to intervene in order to constructively address the escalating unrest in Zimbabwe and its potential negative implications for regional peace and stability.