Petras told The Zimbabwean that the rights of millions of people were being violated through demolitions of their homes and through job losses.
“The situation is pathetic, as economic and social rights violations continue to pose serious threats to people’s lives in Zimbabwe,” Petras said.
She said though these forms of human rights violations were not overt, they had far-reaching implications for individuals’ wellbeing.
Job losses as a result of continued company closures deprived families of their livelihoods, leading to poverty. Children were thrown out of school as families failed to raised school fees. Families struggled to pay rent and medical fees and even provide basic meals.
The government, through its local authorities, is currently demolishing “illegal
Shelters” around the country, with Chitungwiza and Seke rural the most affected.
The demolitions will result in more than 25,000 houses pulled down in Chitungwiza alone and thousands more in neighbouring Seke. Many liken the process to the Murambatsvina of 2005, which left close to a million people homeless.
Continued disrespect for the constitution regarding basic rightswas cited as another form of violation of human rights by Petras, along with the obscene salaries awarded chief executives and other top officials at parastatals and other government enterprises.
Corruption in any form, Petras said, was a serious violation of people’s rights.
Post published in: News