Zimbabwe’s human rights crisis: torture, arrests, and repression on the rise

A damning report by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission has painted a grim picture of the human rights situation in Zimbabwe, highlighting widespread torture, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly.

Debating on motion on the Report of the Human Rights Commission for the year 2023 presented to this House of Parliament in terms of Section 323 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Senator Kucaca Phulu highlighted the surge in human rights abuses.

“The report highlights several challenges facing our country, including allegations of torture, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly.

“These violations are a stark reminder of the need for continuous vigilance and actions to ensure that human rights are protected and promoted in our country,” said Phulu.

The report reveals that between 2019 and 2023, there were 237 cases of alleged torture reported to the Human Rights Commission, a staggering number that highlights the need for urgent action to address this issue.

“Torture is a violation of human rights that is unacceptable in any society. It is a form of cruelty that is designed to break the spirit of individuals and it is a practice that must be stopped,” Phulu added.

The senator further stated that the report highlights the problem of arbitrary arrests and detentions, with 456 cases reported between 2010 and 2013.

“These practices are a violation of the right to liberty and security of the person. They are a threat to the rule of law in our country,” Phulu said.

Restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly are also a major concern, with 123 cases reported between 2019 and 2023. He added that the restrictions “are a violation of fundamental freedoms that are enshrined in our Constitution”.

The report notes that over 800 cases of human rights violations were reported to the Commission between 2019 and 2023, with 300 cases of alleged violations reported during the same period.

“This is a disturbing number and highlights the need to urgently address this issue,” Phulu said.

In the report, Phulu said, the commission has called for concrete steps to be taken to promote and protect human rights in Zimbabwe, including increased support for the Commission in terms of resources and funding.

“This Commission is key in arguing the pains for Zimbabwe on various international platforms where Zimbabwe goes to make presentations on the human rights situation in the country.

“If we support it with finances, they will be able to produce more and more detailed reports and they will be able to make more effective interventions so that Zimbabwe’s human rights record is correctly captured, correctly reflected and begins to show that we are able to contain the human rights situation in our country,” said Phulu.