We recall the joint statement of some United Nations Special Procedures
mandate holders issued on 29 April 2008 regarding the situation in Zimbabwe
in the aftermath of the 29 March 2008 presidential and parliamentary
elections, which underlined the deteriorating human rights situation in the country.
We strongly urge the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure respect for human
rights and to abide by democratic principles and practices, in accordance
with Zimbabwe’s own domestic law and international human rights standards.
We also urge the Government and the opposition to renew their dialogue with
a view to finding a sustainable solution to the country’s problems,
including the current political crisis, for the common good of the people of Zimbabwe.
Finally, we wish to urge the Government of Zimbabwe to respond effectively
to the call for free and fair elections and to respect the liberty and
security of the person in the spirit of peace, democracy and the rule of
law. In this regard, we are of the view that no election should take place
in the absence of conditions that would guarantee the free, full and equal
participation of all citizens in the electoral process.
Post published in: News