THE International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)-Africa has written to Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi urging him to ensure the rule of law following a massive crackdown and arbitrary arrests of rights defenders.
Zimbabwe has witnessed a clampdown on activists accused of plotting protests against the government ahead of the SADC Summit scheduled for August 17. Mnangagwa will take over the rotational chairmanship of the regional bloc at the upcoming summit.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration has called for calm maintaining the blitz is targeting ‘undesirable elements’ working in cahoots with foreign powers to destabilize the nation.
In a letter to Ziyambi, dated August 5 2024, the ITUC-Africa secretary general, Akhator Odigie expressed grave concern over the arrests.
The organ reminded Ziyambi that Zimbabwe is a signatory to numerous international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
Odigie said these instruments unequivocally protect the right of individuals to peacefully assemble, express their views, and engage in activities aimed at promoting social justice.
Moreover, he said, Zimbabwe’s own Constitution, specifically in Sections 58, 59, and 60, guarantees the right to freedom of assembly, association, and expression which are further underscored by International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, to which Zimbabwe is a party, affirming the rights of workers and their organizations to operate freely and without undue interference.
“The actions taken against Mr. Chere and his colleagues violate these legal protections and are an affront to democracy and the rule of law. The use of intimidation, arbitrary arrest, and torture to silence dissent and suppress legitimate trade union activities is unacceptable in any society that upholds human rights and the dignity of its citizens. In light of the upcoming SADC Summit, where regional leaders will gather to discuss issues of mutual concern, Zimbabwe must immediately demonstrate its commitment to human rights,” reads the letter in part.
ITUC-Africa committed to stand in solidarity with the ZCTU and all Zimbabweans who courageously advocate for their rights and called on the government of Zimbabwe to immediately release Robson Chere and all others who have been arbitrarily detained.
In the letter, Ziyambi was urged to ensure an end to all the acts of torture, intimidation, and harassment against human rights defenders, trade unionists, and activists including respecting and upholding all Zimbabweans’ constitutional and internationally recognized rights to assemble, demonstrate, and express their opinions peacefully.
“We urge your government to take these steps not only as a legal obligation but also as a moral imperative to ensure justice, fairness, and respect for human dignity. We trust that you will treat this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves, and we look forward to your prompt and positive response,” the letter added.
