The response states: Reports from Zimbabwe have graphically illustrated the
appalling and tragic situation in which the people of Zimbabwe now find
themselves.
The facts are stark: 4 million people have fled the country; 80 per cent of
the population are unemployed; 4 million will be on food aid by the end of
the year; and average life expectancy has fallen to just 37.
There is no easy solution to end this suffering. However, the Government is
determined to continue to do everything it can to help the Zimbabwean
people. We are currently the second largest bilateral donor in Zimbabwe,
providing up to £40m a year in humanitarian assistance and for HIV and Aids
care in support of the most vulnerable. In addition, the Government is
announcing an additional £8m for Zimbabwe this year, to be delivered through
the World Food Programme.
But this alone will not be enough. And working with our international
partners we must do more to press the Zimbabwean government to change.
The Government will ensure that the EU maintains sanctions against the 131
individuals in the ruling elite, including President Mugabe, who have
committed human rights abuses – and extend sanctions to other individuals
where necessary. The Government have successfully lobbied EU partners to
agree to send an EU envoy to report back on the situation on the ground. The
Government will press the UN Security Council to review Zimbabwe more
regularly. The Government also support the important efforts of Presidents
Kikwete of Tanzania and Mbeki of South Africa to negotiate a return to
democracy.
The Government need to be ready for the day democracy returns to Zimbabwe.
The Government are working with international partners to prepare a
long-term recovery package for when conditions exist to allow economic
reconstruction to begin. This will include measures to help Zimbabwe restart
and stabilise its economy, restructure and reduce its debt, help skilled
people who have left the country to return home, renovate schools and
hospitals, and, very importantly, support fair land reform. Britain is ready
to contribute our share to this endeavour.
Britain will not shirk our responsibilities to the people of Zimbabwe. The
Prime Minister is determined that the British Government does all it can to
help the Zimbabwean people to forge a better future for themselves and their
children.
Post published in: News