Stop Political Violence against Women and Girls in Zimbabwe

The Statement in brief:

We, the Zimbabwean women and women worldwide, urgently call for stopping of violence in Zimbabwe and protection of women and girls, in this post election catastrophe. This is an emergency as the country gears up for a presidential run-off on the 27^th of June 2008.The violence persists and is real.  No election observers are yet in the country, despite our calls, appeals, cries to the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), African Union (AU), and to the United Nations.

We are watching a silent genocide of the poor and powerless, due to politically induced murders, criminal actions, and collapse of basic services resulting in deaths due to lack of health care, food, shelter for the displaced, especially after the March 29^th, 2008 elections. Most of the affected are women and children.

This situation is an extra-ordinary emergency for women and girls.  Every person and institution must do everything in their power to stop the violence, restore rule of law, and allow Zimbabweans to exercise their right to vote and live in peace.

We, as Zimbabwean women and women worldwide:

Re-iterate the long-standing position of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that the failure by government and law enforcement, such as police and army to respect the rights of all citizens is the greatest threat to peace, democracy and development in Zimbabwe.

Are very concerned by a real danger of civil strife catalyzed by the growing humanitarian crisis. We are witnessing increasing levels of tension and political polarization among the population, which turned out to vote on March 29.  The media reports on the party political position adopted by the law enforcement, which should ordinarily maintain neutrality. The recent purchase of military weapons adds to this fear.

Demand cessation of organized and targeted intimidation against the citizens, particularly the use of women and girls as weapons of ‘war', evidenced by the brutal battering of women, rape and sexual abuse.

Demand the immediate disbanding of the militias, comprised of youths, security agents and one terror group code named Chipangano, which have caused terror and havoc in the rural and urban areas exacerbating the humanitarian situation by creating internal refugees.  We demand the disbanding of torture bases where gross abuses of women are taking place including forced labor and sexual abuse.

Request the Leadership of SADC, the African Union and the United Nations to demand ZANU PF government to stop using violence against its people and TAKE TANGIBLE actions if the violence continues.

We Especially Request the Human Rights Council to:

• I. Establish programme of engagement with Zimbabwe for protection of human rights especially for women, girls and children. The UN must deploy human rights monitors during the run-up to the Presidential Elections.

• II. Mandate and support UN Special Rapportuer on Violence Against Women  who must do a fact-finding mission to Zimbabwe and support the efforts of community, grassroots and other organisations living in a culture of fear, survivors of violence and abuse.

• III. Mandate and support UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders who must put in place ways of ensuring safety and protection for women human rights advocates and activists, who find themselves in fear of life and whose ability to engage publicly is compromised.

• IV. Engage with Zimbabwe government and authorities and stop the violence, and demand the state to protect ordinary people's lives.

• V. Encourage and support for humanitarian assistance to Zimbabwe, especially in support of food, health and education for rural communities and mostly the displaced. Signatories to the statement include: