Zimbabwe: Put human rights at the top of the political agenda

Amnesty International has issued a five point human rights agenda for
the new government to implement as its first steps to address
Zimbabwe's legacy of impunity for human rights violations.

For nearly a decade the people of Zimbabwe have endured immense
suffering as a result of the government's policies against perceived
opponents.  It is against this background that we are calling on
President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister-designate Morgan Tsvangirai
to take concrete steps to demonstrate their government's commitment to
internationally recognized human rights, said Simeon Mawanza Amnesty
International's Zimbabwe expert.

The deteriorating economic and social conditions must also be a
priority for this government. The people of Zimbabwe urgently need
food, housing, essential health care, safe drinking water, sanitation
and education, said Simeon Mawanza.  If the government is unable to
deliver these basic necessities, it will have to seek international
cooperation and assistance and remove unnecessary restrictions.

Amnesty International also called for the immediate and unconditional
release of Prisoners of Conscience, Jestina Mukoko, Broderick Takawira
and Pascal Gonzo.  These three human rights workers have been in
custody since early December when they were abducted by state security
agents.  The organization also expressed concern over the continued
ill-treatment of political detainees, like Fidelis Chiramba of the MDC,
who is reported to be in urgent need of hospitalisation.  

Editors' notes

On 5 February the Parliament of Zimbabwe passed Amendment No. 19 to the
Constitution which allows the setting up of an Inclusive Government. 
According to a timeline agreed by both parties, Morgan Tsvangirai of
the MDC will be sworn in as the country's Prime Minister on 11 February
together with two Deputy Prime Ministers.  Other members of the cabinet
and deputy ministers will be sworn in on 13 February.

At least 30 political detainees are known to be in custody at present. 
These include the director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project, Jestina
Mukoko, two members of her staff and more than two dozen MDC activists
abducted between October and December 2008.  The state has been accused
of torture and has repeatedly frustrated efforts by the detainees to
get access to much needed health care.