Hope survives for Zimbabwe talks as inflation rockets higher
Listen to audio http://www.worldradio.ch/wrs/news/switzerland/hope-survives-for-zimbabwe-talks-as-inflation-rock.shtml?11358
By Catherine Allen, World Radio Switzerland --> -->
MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai is said to have agreed in principle to accept a powerful Prime Ministerial role, with Mr Mugabe remaining as President. However, the MDC has insisted that Mr Mugabe should stay in office only as a ceremonial head of state.
Reports suggest there’s also disagreement over control of the armed forces, and over Zanu-PF suggestions that the MDC should be handed responsibility for the finance ministry as Zimbabwe’s economy sinks to new lows.
And there’s also major discord - at the talks and at home - over the possibility of an amnesty for post-election violence committed earlier this year.
WRS’s Catherine Allen spoke to Marlon Zakeyo, a Zimbabwean lawyer from the Geneva-based Zimbabwe Human Rights Advocacy Office. He described how the impact of the violence as still fresh for many in Zimbabwe
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
International Church Groups Call for Peace in Zimbabwe
H.E President Thabo Mbeki Republic of South Africa
President & First Secretary Robert Mugabe ZANU PF Party
President Morgan Tsvangirai Movement for Democratic Change
President Arthur Mutambara Movement for Democratic Change
Joint Global Ecumenical Leaders Statement on the Zimbabwe Political Parties Pact
We, the leaders of the World Council of Churches, World Student Christian Federation, World YWCA, World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the World Alliance of YMCAs wish to congratulate the leadership of the ZANU PF party and the Movement for Democratic Change on signing the Memorandum of Understanding that paves way for the beginning of negotiations towards a lasting resolution of the difficult crisis in Zimbabwe.
We also wish to commend the role, in bringing the parties together, played by the SADC Facilitator, HE President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and his team ; Dr Jean Ping, Chair of the African Union Commission, the Secretary General of the United Nations and his Special Envoy, Ambassador Haile Menkarios.
We believe that the will of the people should be the fundamental basis on which to ground negotiations.
And we greet the beginning of this critical round of negotiations with fervent hope for a new beginning for all Zimbabweans, restoration of peace, prosperity, dignity and the rule of law.
Restatement of Principles and Values
Having walked this journey alongside the churches, civil society and people of Zimbabwe, we urge you to remain mindful of the principles below ;
Good Faith ; We pray for all the negotiators so that they are are guided by the best interests and deeper aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe. We pray that the discussions will be held in complete good faith so that the final agreement becomes a foundation for a lasting and viable solution to the crisis in the country.
Continuing Violence and Human Rights Abuses; We are appalled by reports of continuing violence in many parts of the country, particularly in the rural areas. All forms of violence, harassment, intimidation and torture must cease immediately to provide an environment truly conducive for peaceful negotiations.
Humanitarian Situation; We are saddened that there has not been an official withdrawal of the order banning the field operations of humanitarian aid agencies and NGOs in Zimbabwe. The World Food Programme has recently warned that if these agencies are not allowed immediate access to the communities in need, 5.1 million will face starvation. We therefore call upon the Zimbabwean authorities to immediately and without conditions lift the ban and allow humanitarian aid agencies and NGOs access to the communities in need.
Rule of Law, Justice, Accountability, Reconciliation and Healing; We further urge the parties to remain committed to a genuine restoration of the rule of law that rejects impunity but allows true reconciliation and healing. Zimbabwe has witnessed horrific incidences of violence during and after the elections of March 29 and June 27. Many people have lost relatives and friends. Thousands have lost homes and other property. Wounds cut deep. We, together with them, look to you for an agreement that provides for a safe return of displaced people, proper remedies and justice for survivors and their families.
Inclusive Participation; We realise that the Memorandum of Understanding does not provide for the inclusion of civil society, churches, women and young people. None of the negotiating teams from the three parties includes a woman at a time when mothers and women of Zimbabwe continue to face the hardest part of the national challenge. This is most regrettable. We call on you to consider opening a place at the table for representatives of Zimbabwe civil society so that they also bring in the voice and aspirations of the grassroots communities with whom they continue to work closely.
Finally we would like to reaffirm the need to protect the intergrity of elections as the most legitimate and democratic way to express the sovereign will of the people not only in Zimbabwe but throughout Africa. We pray that the negotiations you have begun will help restore faith in the electoral process as a democratic and peaceful means through which the people of Africa can demand accountability from their leaders and contribute to the governance and development of their own societies.
Thank you and may God bless you
Issued by the following general secretaries:
The World Council of Churches
Reverend Dr Samuel KobiaTel : +41 22 791 6111http://www.oikoumene.org/
World Student Christian Federation
Reverend Michael WallaceTel : +41 22 791 6558http://www.wscfglobal.org/
World Alliance of Reformed Churches
Reverend Dr Setri NyomiTel : +41 22 791 6505http://warc.jalb.de/
World YWCA
Ms Nyaradzai GumbonzvandaTel : +41 22 929 6040http://www.worldywca.info/
World Alliance of YMCAs
Dr Bartholomew ShahaTel : +41 22 849 5100http://www.ymca.int/
President & First Secretary Robert Mugabe ZANU PF Party
President Morgan Tsvangirai Movement for Democratic Change
President Arthur Mutambara Movement for Democratic Change
Joint Global Ecumenical Leaders Statement on the Zimbabwe Political Parties Pact
We, the leaders of the World Council of Churches, World Student Christian Federation, World YWCA, World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the World Alliance of YMCAs wish to congratulate the leadership of the ZANU PF party and the Movement for Democratic Change on signing the Memorandum of Understanding that paves way for the beginning of negotiations towards a lasting resolution of the difficult crisis in Zimbabwe.
We also wish to commend the role, in bringing the parties together, played by the SADC Facilitator, HE President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and his team ; Dr Jean Ping, Chair of the African Union Commission, the Secretary General of the United Nations and his Special Envoy, Ambassador Haile Menkarios.
We believe that the will of the people should be the fundamental basis on which to ground negotiations.
And we greet the beginning of this critical round of negotiations with fervent hope for a new beginning for all Zimbabweans, restoration of peace, prosperity, dignity and the rule of law.
Restatement of Principles and Values
Having walked this journey alongside the churches, civil society and people of Zimbabwe, we urge you to remain mindful of the principles below ;
Good Faith ; We pray for all the negotiators so that they are are guided by the best interests and deeper aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe. We pray that the discussions will be held in complete good faith so that the final agreement becomes a foundation for a lasting and viable solution to the crisis in the country.
Continuing Violence and Human Rights Abuses; We are appalled by reports of continuing violence in many parts of the country, particularly in the rural areas. All forms of violence, harassment, intimidation and torture must cease immediately to provide an environment truly conducive for peaceful negotiations.
Humanitarian Situation; We are saddened that there has not been an official withdrawal of the order banning the field operations of humanitarian aid agencies and NGOs in Zimbabwe. The World Food Programme has recently warned that if these agencies are not allowed immediate access to the communities in need, 5.1 million will face starvation. We therefore call upon the Zimbabwean authorities to immediately and without conditions lift the ban and allow humanitarian aid agencies and NGOs access to the communities in need.
Rule of Law, Justice, Accountability, Reconciliation and Healing; We further urge the parties to remain committed to a genuine restoration of the rule of law that rejects impunity but allows true reconciliation and healing. Zimbabwe has witnessed horrific incidences of violence during and after the elections of March 29 and June 27. Many people have lost relatives and friends. Thousands have lost homes and other property. Wounds cut deep. We, together with them, look to you for an agreement that provides for a safe return of displaced people, proper remedies and justice for survivors and their families.
Inclusive Participation; We realise that the Memorandum of Understanding does not provide for the inclusion of civil society, churches, women and young people. None of the negotiating teams from the three parties includes a woman at a time when mothers and women of Zimbabwe continue to face the hardest part of the national challenge. This is most regrettable. We call on you to consider opening a place at the table for representatives of Zimbabwe civil society so that they also bring in the voice and aspirations of the grassroots communities with whom they continue to work closely.
Finally we would like to reaffirm the need to protect the intergrity of elections as the most legitimate and democratic way to express the sovereign will of the people not only in Zimbabwe but throughout Africa. We pray that the negotiations you have begun will help restore faith in the electoral process as a democratic and peaceful means through which the people of Africa can demand accountability from their leaders and contribute to the governance and development of their own societies.
Thank you and may God bless you
Issued by the following general secretaries:
The World Council of Churches
Reverend Dr Samuel KobiaTel : +41 22 791 6111http://www.oikoumene.org/
World Student Christian Federation
Reverend Michael WallaceTel : +41 22 791 6558http://www.wscfglobal.org/
World Alliance of Reformed Churches
Reverend Dr Setri NyomiTel : +41 22 791 6505http://warc.jalb.de/
World YWCA
Ms Nyaradzai GumbonzvandaTel : +41 22 929 6040http://www.worldywca.info/
World Alliance of YMCAs
Dr Bartholomew ShahaTel : +41 22 849 5100http://www.ymca.int/
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Transitional Justice in Zimbabwe
What Price For Peace?
http://changezimbabwe.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1511&Itemid=2
Written by Marlon Zakeyo
Thursday, 07 August 2008
A Masvingo man weeps as he describes on this Solidarity Peace Trust video how MDC activists were tortured and others killed in violence unleashed by Robert Mugabe to ensure that voters did not vote for the MDC in the run-off. Should perpetrators be allowed to get away with it?
When MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai spoke at the memorial service in remembrance of slain party activist, Gift Tandare , he declared that Tandare was a ‘martyr for the cause of the MDC.’
He would have held Gift’s widow’s hand, consoling her and promising that ‘Gift haana kufira mahara’ (Gift didn’t die for nothing). Justice would be served.
But as rumours of an imminent announcement of a deal between the rival parties mount, one cannot help but imagine that Gift Tandare’s widow and thousands of other survivors and families of murdered and disappeared activists must be feeling really lonely, isolated and betrayed right now.
If rumours filtering in from Pretoria are to be believed, Robert Mugabe will be allowed a gradual and honourable exit and a blanket amnesty for all pre-election violence will be declared, presumably by Prime Minister Tsvangirai.
The chiefs of the Joint Operational Command are also reportedly trying to cut immunity deals for themselves in Pretoria. So are we turning full circle here? All the way back to 1980, 1987 and 2002. Collective amnesia. Turning the other cheek, allowing impunity and moving on for the sake of ‘peace’?
Several commentators and Zimbabwean NGOs have long debated the need and options for transitional justice in a post-Mugabe Zimbabwe. The nature of the transition from ZANU PF rule would determine the process of addressing past atrocities and how retrospective the transitional justice would be.
Options most talked about would be to forgive and forget and focus on economic recovery; or to carry out comprehensive prosecutions of all persons involved in perpetrating, condoning or ordering violations; or to select ‘small fish’ for criminal prosecution so that top military and ZANU PF brass feel safe enough to allow a new Zimbabwe to be born; or to focus on restorative justice and make sure perpetrators compensate (varipe) their victims or families of the victims.
In its 2008 policy statement, the MDC promises that a Truth and Reconciliation Commission would be launched within three months of assumption of office by an MDC government. The policy document also envisages further investigations and prosecutions in the domestic courts and also establishment of compensation courts that would ensure that victims of violence and displacement are adequately compensated by the State.
Sadly the secrecy shrouding the talks make it very difficult for anyone to know whether these promises by the MDC to the nation are being given serious consideration. Whilst many Zimbabweans understand the need for compromise it is vital that victims of violence and terror be finally put at the centre of decision-making processes.
Civil society must continue to struggle for the victims and families’ right to know the truth. The family of Patrick Nabanyama who disappeared in 2000 will be looking for the truth. Adele Chiminya, widow of Tsvangirai’s murdered campaign manager, Tichaona Chiminya, has gone the world over looking for justice.
She can not be told that economic recovery is more paramount than justice for her husband, can she? What justice for the 200, 000 people displaced since March 29 and ended up seeking protection at Harvest Houses and different Western embassies? Over 7000, 000 people who lost their homes during Operation Murambatsvina in 2005?
In the recent election violence, most victims knew their torturers and killers. Civil society organisations have bravely and tirelessly documented violations since 1998. For the Gukurahundi atrocities, someone must know where the Chihambakwe Commission Report is hidden. In any case the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace also documented that part of our history thoroughly.
The road has been long and painful for all Zimbabweans, but the desperation for normalisation and a ‘quick fix’ must not allow us to trade justice for peace. The MDC itself concedes in its policy document that the truth of the human rights abuses from 1980 to date were never addressed, victims never acknowledged, and these demons have come back to haunt us.
It is time to exorcise those demons so that we move into a truly « New Zimbabwe ». The whole fabric of Zimbabwean society has been violated in one way or another and we need to talk to each other and confess what we have done to one another.
Rwanda has been doing this over the last 15 years and at the same time being able to transform its economy and the lives of its people. I have seen this in Kigali with my own eyes. To have set a precedent where the bullet is mightier than the ballot is horrible enough.
To neglect the deep wounds of victims of violence and torture, widows and orphans of political violence - whatever the prize - is beyond the pale.
*Marlon Zakeyo is a Zimbabwean lawyer based at the Zimbabwe Human Rights Advocacy Office in Geneva. Email him on
wscf.zimadvocacy@gmail.com
http://changezimbabwe.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1511&Itemid=2
Written by Marlon Zakeyo
Thursday, 07 August 2008
A Masvingo man weeps as he describes on this Solidarity Peace Trust video how MDC activists were tortured and others killed in violence unleashed by Robert Mugabe to ensure that voters did not vote for the MDC in the run-off. Should perpetrators be allowed to get away with it?
When MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai spoke at the memorial service in remembrance of slain party activist, Gift Tandare , he declared that Tandare was a ‘martyr for the cause of the MDC.’
He would have held Gift’s widow’s hand, consoling her and promising that ‘Gift haana kufira mahara’ (Gift didn’t die for nothing). Justice would be served.
But as rumours of an imminent announcement of a deal between the rival parties mount, one cannot help but imagine that Gift Tandare’s widow and thousands of other survivors and families of murdered and disappeared activists must be feeling really lonely, isolated and betrayed right now.
If rumours filtering in from Pretoria are to be believed, Robert Mugabe will be allowed a gradual and honourable exit and a blanket amnesty for all pre-election violence will be declared, presumably by Prime Minister Tsvangirai.
The chiefs of the Joint Operational Command are also reportedly trying to cut immunity deals for themselves in Pretoria. So are we turning full circle here? All the way back to 1980, 1987 and 2002. Collective amnesia. Turning the other cheek, allowing impunity and moving on for the sake of ‘peace’?
Several commentators and Zimbabwean NGOs have long debated the need and options for transitional justice in a post-Mugabe Zimbabwe. The nature of the transition from ZANU PF rule would determine the process of addressing past atrocities and how retrospective the transitional justice would be.
Options most talked about would be to forgive and forget and focus on economic recovery; or to carry out comprehensive prosecutions of all persons involved in perpetrating, condoning or ordering violations; or to select ‘small fish’ for criminal prosecution so that top military and ZANU PF brass feel safe enough to allow a new Zimbabwe to be born; or to focus on restorative justice and make sure perpetrators compensate (varipe) their victims or families of the victims.
In its 2008 policy statement, the MDC promises that a Truth and Reconciliation Commission would be launched within three months of assumption of office by an MDC government. The policy document also envisages further investigations and prosecutions in the domestic courts and also establishment of compensation courts that would ensure that victims of violence and displacement are adequately compensated by the State.
Sadly the secrecy shrouding the talks make it very difficult for anyone to know whether these promises by the MDC to the nation are being given serious consideration. Whilst many Zimbabweans understand the need for compromise it is vital that victims of violence and terror be finally put at the centre of decision-making processes.
Civil society must continue to struggle for the victims and families’ right to know the truth. The family of Patrick Nabanyama who disappeared in 2000 will be looking for the truth. Adele Chiminya, widow of Tsvangirai’s murdered campaign manager, Tichaona Chiminya, has gone the world over looking for justice.
She can not be told that economic recovery is more paramount than justice for her husband, can she? What justice for the 200, 000 people displaced since March 29 and ended up seeking protection at Harvest Houses and different Western embassies? Over 7000, 000 people who lost their homes during Operation Murambatsvina in 2005?
In the recent election violence, most victims knew their torturers and killers. Civil society organisations have bravely and tirelessly documented violations since 1998. For the Gukurahundi atrocities, someone must know where the Chihambakwe Commission Report is hidden. In any case the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace also documented that part of our history thoroughly.
The road has been long and painful for all Zimbabweans, but the desperation for normalisation and a ‘quick fix’ must not allow us to trade justice for peace. The MDC itself concedes in its policy document that the truth of the human rights abuses from 1980 to date were never addressed, victims never acknowledged, and these demons have come back to haunt us.
It is time to exorcise those demons so that we move into a truly « New Zimbabwe ». The whole fabric of Zimbabwean society has been violated in one way or another and we need to talk to each other and confess what we have done to one another.
Rwanda has been doing this over the last 15 years and at the same time being able to transform its economy and the lives of its people. I have seen this in Kigali with my own eyes. To have set a precedent where the bullet is mightier than the ballot is horrible enough.
To neglect the deep wounds of victims of violence and torture, widows and orphans of political violence - whatever the prize - is beyond the pale.
*Marlon Zakeyo is a Zimbabwean lawyer based at the Zimbabwe Human Rights Advocacy Office in Geneva. Email him on
wscf.zimadvocacy@gmail.com
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
German Company Stops Printing Money for Zimbabwe's Government
WSCF applauds German company's halt of Zimbabwean money deliveries
2 July 2008
WSCF has applauded the news that German company Giesecke & Devrient will halt its production of banknotes, which had been being used to pay Mugabe's Zanu PF government officials and their militia. In a press statement released yesterday, the Management Board of Giesecke & Devrient GmbH, Munich announced their decision to cease delivering banknote paper to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe with immediate effect. Over the last several weeks, WSCF has joined German human rights and civil society organisations in an advocacy campaign to show the German people that German company G&D banknotes were being used by the Zanu PF government to fund the corruption and violence currently being inflicted on the people of Zimbabwe.A letter was sent by WSCF’s Zimbabwe Advocacy desk last week, calling on the German people, their government and the company itself to immediately stop the production and delivery of banknotes. The letter followed on from an earlier letter sent by WSCF General Secretary Michael Wallace, which had called for the same action.The G&D company’s press statement cited its reasons for halting production of the Zimbabwean banknotes as being “in response to an official request from the German government and calls for international sanctions by the European Union and United Nations.” "Our decision is a reaction to the political tension in Zimbabwe, which is mounting significantly rather than easing as expected, and takes account of the critical evaluation by the international community, German government and general public," explained Dr. Karsten Ottenberg, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of Giesecke & Devrient GmbH.
The full text of the letter sent to the company from the World Student Christian Federation follows below.
2 July 2008
WSCF has applauded the news that German company Giesecke & Devrient will halt its production of banknotes, which had been being used to pay Mugabe's Zanu PF government officials and their militia. In a press statement released yesterday, the Management Board of Giesecke & Devrient GmbH, Munich announced their decision to cease delivering banknote paper to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe with immediate effect. Over the last several weeks, WSCF has joined German human rights and civil society organisations in an advocacy campaign to show the German people that German company G&D banknotes were being used by the Zanu PF government to fund the corruption and violence currently being inflicted on the people of Zimbabwe.A letter was sent by WSCF’s Zimbabwe Advocacy desk last week, calling on the German people, their government and the company itself to immediately stop the production and delivery of banknotes. The letter followed on from an earlier letter sent by WSCF General Secretary Michael Wallace, which had called for the same action.The G&D company’s press statement cited its reasons for halting production of the Zimbabwean banknotes as being “in response to an official request from the German government and calls for international sanctions by the European Union and United Nations.” "Our decision is a reaction to the political tension in Zimbabwe, which is mounting significantly rather than easing as expected, and takes account of the critical evaluation by the international community, German government and general public," explained Dr. Karsten Ottenberg, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of Giesecke & Devrient GmbH.
The full text of the letter sent to the company from the World Student Christian Federation follows below.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
A Desperate Existence for Ordinary Zimbabweans
Monday, 30 June, 2008, 18:54
A 'desperate existence' for ordinary Zimbabweans
As the fallout continues over the validity of Zimbabwe’s presidential election, Conor Lennon talks to Marlon Zakeyo from the Swiss-based Zimbabwe Human Rights Office about the election’s impact on the country’s ordinary people.
http://www.worldradio.ch/wrs/shows/drivetime/whats-the-future-for-the-ordinary-people-of-zimbab.shtml?11116
A 'desperate existence' for ordinary Zimbabweans
As the fallout continues over the validity of Zimbabwe’s presidential election, Conor Lennon talks to Marlon Zakeyo from the Swiss-based Zimbabwe Human Rights Office about the election’s impact on the country’s ordinary people.
http://www.worldradio.ch/wrs/shows/drivetime/whats-the-future-for-the-ordinary-people-of-zimbab.shtml?11116
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Youth Leader Calls for Urgent Assistance for Zimbabwe
25 June 2008
Zimbabwe's run-off presidential election should be postponed, according to a young leader of the country's Student Christian Movement, who is in Switzerland to request the churches support for addressing the humanitarian crisis in the South African country. Prosper Munatsi, the General Secretary of the Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe, had hoped to visit Geneva last week to offer his testimony about the unfolding political and humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe at the UN Human Rights Council. Instead he was jailed before his departure from Zimbabwe after the Harare Ecumenical Centre, where several Christian groups have their offices, was raided by Zimbabwe police and security forces on 9 June. His prison experience and first-hand knowledge of the situation in Zimbabwe is causing him to call for the elections to be postponed and for some form of international intervention. Although he had been imprisoned for a longer period before, his 24-hour stay in jail last week "was terrifying", says Munatsi. In addition to the intimidation and reports about people being killed while in detention, the place was not "suitable for human habitation", he says. There was no water, electricity or blankets and detainees had to sleep "on the cold floor" in the middle of winter. Munatsi's depiction of the Harare prison where he and several other members of Christian organizations were detained resembles a snapshot of the country's situation. "The violence is really out of hand", says Munatsi. If before it affected mainly rural areas, now it has spread "all over the country". The lack of food is "really critical", with half the population, including close to 2 million children "facing starvation". To request support from ecumenical organizations and churches is one of the main purposes of Munatsi's short visit to Geneva. The humanitarian crisis asks for the churches' urgent intervention. In addition to the food problem, close to 40,000 people have been displaced and they lack everything, including access to health care facilities. Local churches are doing their best, but have run out of resources. "The extension of the crisis is such that they can no longer help, house, feed people." Mugabe cannot kill all the Zimbabweans The churches efforts are not limited to humanitarian aid. They have also tried everything in their power to achieve a non-violent, democratic and peaceful solution to the crisis, says Munatsi. "They are very much willing to observe the election", but the government of President Robert Mugabe maintains that "churches should limit themselves to the pulpit", he explains. By not allowing them to appoint electoral observers, "the churches' democratic rights have been denied". Are Zimbabweans disappointed with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who withdrew from the upcoming election, somewhat preventing them to exercise their right to vote? "No, we are not", says Munatsi. "It was the right thing to do, because it valued the lives of Zimbabwean people first, before any political ambition." Right now, the election observers sent by the international community "are observing the killings", points out Munatsi. Under the current conditions, the election "must be postponed" and the "international community must intervene to stop the violence". He thinks that "peace monitors" should be deployed and mechanisms put in place "to create an environment conducive to free and fair elections". Having been imprisoned twice in the last two months, Munatsi is traveling back home to occupy his place as leader of an ecumenical organization of young Christians which cannot keep a register of its approximately 3,000 members for fear of political repression. Waiting for him in Harare are offices where the furniture has disappeared, materials have been confiscated and computers stolen, leaving the organization's staff with neither place nor means to work. But Munatsi is not afraid of going back. "Mugabe cannot kill the whole of Zimbabweans", he says. "We need to be brave enough and work for the people" so they can live free and "enjoy their Godly given rights". Juan Michel/WCC Media
Zimbabwe's run-off presidential election should be postponed, according to a young leader of the country's Student Christian Movement, who is in Switzerland to request the churches support for addressing the humanitarian crisis in the South African country. Prosper Munatsi, the General Secretary of the Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe, had hoped to visit Geneva last week to offer his testimony about the unfolding political and humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe at the UN Human Rights Council. Instead he was jailed before his departure from Zimbabwe after the Harare Ecumenical Centre, where several Christian groups have their offices, was raided by Zimbabwe police and security forces on 9 June. His prison experience and first-hand knowledge of the situation in Zimbabwe is causing him to call for the elections to be postponed and for some form of international intervention. Although he had been imprisoned for a longer period before, his 24-hour stay in jail last week "was terrifying", says Munatsi. In addition to the intimidation and reports about people being killed while in detention, the place was not "suitable for human habitation", he says. There was no water, electricity or blankets and detainees had to sleep "on the cold floor" in the middle of winter. Munatsi's depiction of the Harare prison where he and several other members of Christian organizations were detained resembles a snapshot of the country's situation. "The violence is really out of hand", says Munatsi. If before it affected mainly rural areas, now it has spread "all over the country". The lack of food is "really critical", with half the population, including close to 2 million children "facing starvation". To request support from ecumenical organizations and churches is one of the main purposes of Munatsi's short visit to Geneva. The humanitarian crisis asks for the churches' urgent intervention. In addition to the food problem, close to 40,000 people have been displaced and they lack everything, including access to health care facilities. Local churches are doing their best, but have run out of resources. "The extension of the crisis is such that they can no longer help, house, feed people." Mugabe cannot kill all the Zimbabweans The churches efforts are not limited to humanitarian aid. They have also tried everything in their power to achieve a non-violent, democratic and peaceful solution to the crisis, says Munatsi. "They are very much willing to observe the election", but the government of President Robert Mugabe maintains that "churches should limit themselves to the pulpit", he explains. By not allowing them to appoint electoral observers, "the churches' democratic rights have been denied". Are Zimbabweans disappointed with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who withdrew from the upcoming election, somewhat preventing them to exercise their right to vote? "No, we are not", says Munatsi. "It was the right thing to do, because it valued the lives of Zimbabwean people first, before any political ambition." Right now, the election observers sent by the international community "are observing the killings", points out Munatsi. Under the current conditions, the election "must be postponed" and the "international community must intervene to stop the violence". He thinks that "peace monitors" should be deployed and mechanisms put in place "to create an environment conducive to free and fair elections". Having been imprisoned twice in the last two months, Munatsi is traveling back home to occupy his place as leader of an ecumenical organization of young Christians which cannot keep a register of its approximately 3,000 members for fear of political repression. Waiting for him in Harare are offices where the furniture has disappeared, materials have been confiscated and computers stolen, leaving the organization's staff with neither place nor means to work. But Munatsi is not afraid of going back. "Mugabe cannot kill the whole of Zimbabweans", he says. "We need to be brave enough and work for the people" so they can live free and "enjoy their Godly given rights". Juan Michel/WCC Media
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
World ecumenical bodies request international community to scale up efforts in Zimbabwe
24 June 2008
Two international ecumenical bodies called on the UN, the South African Development Community and the African Union "to increase [their] efforts to address the rapidly deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe". Emergency aid, postponement of the run-off election and the responsibility of the international community to intervene in protection of the people are amongst the main concerns. In a joint letter issued in Geneva today, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) requested the three international bodies to pay "urgent attention to the humanitarian needs of the people of Zimbabwe, their freedom to exercise religion, the destabilization of the political situation and the need to end human rights abuses". The joint letter refers to the need of "international intervention" in order to distribute food aid, as Zimbabweans face "the imminent threat of starvation in some areas". It also mentions the need for a political solution that "may involve a postponement of the election", as well as the importance of bringing perpetrators of violence to trial. "There can be no impunity", the letter says. "We have learned from our Zimbabwean brothers and sisters that some churches have been kept from offering worship while other church services have been violently dispersed. This situation, which is underreported in the media, is unacceptable and must receive urgent attention from the world community", states the letter signed by WCC General Secretary Samuel Kobia and WSCF General Secretary Michael Wallace. The letter makes a point of reminding that "in extreme situations" the international community "has the duty […] to intervene in the internal affairs of a state in the interests and safety of the people", a principle known as "responsibility to protect". The full text of the joint WCC-WSCF letter follows below.
H.E. Ban Ki-moonSecretary GeneralUnited Nations
H.E. Levy Mwanawasa Chair, SADC,
H.E. Jakaya Kikwete Chair, African Union
Geneva, 24 June 2008
A Joint Letter from the World Council of Churches and the World Student Christian Federation
Excellencies,
We welcome the statement of 23 June by UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, and the preliminary action taken by the UN Security Council on Zimbabwe; we also welcome the statement of 23 June by the Chair of SADC, H.E. Levy Mwanawasa. It is now with profound concern that we call on you to increase your efforts to address the rapidly deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe. As church leaders representing more than 550 million Christians around the world, including members of many churches in Zimbabwe, we request that you direct urgent attention to the humanitarian needs of the people of Zimbabwe, their freedom to exercise religion, the destabilization of the political situation and the need to end human rights abuses. Reports from those in and outside Zimbabwe persuade us that international intervention is now needed to distribute much-needed food aid. The government’s decision to end food distribution by international agencies has led only to political isolation and increased suffering.Food and medicine are in particular demand, with the imminent threat of starvation in some areas. Education has also been disrupted, with some schools now housing government troops. We have learned from our Zimbabwean brothers and sisters that some churches have been kept from offering worship while other church services have been violently dispersed. This situation, which is underreported in the media, is unacceptable and must receive urgent attention from the world community. The much more publicized disintegration of the political situation can no longer be overlooked by the world. We are concerned that Zimbabweans have been denied the right to choose their own leader in a free and fair election. The sovereignty of the people has been violated and must be restored. The party that has created this violent situation on the ground now seems poised to be awarded the presidency, and with it the power to appoint additional senators who will sway the balance of parliament. Such a manipulation of the election process can have no legitimacy in the eyes of Zimbabweans or of the world. This precedent must not be set as the norm. Charges have been made that serious crimes are being committed. These allegations must be investigated; if found to be substantial, alleged perpetrators must stand trial. The current election cycle has been reduced to a shambles. If the perpetrators of violence are not brought to account, attempts at a political solution will be fundamentally undermined. There can be no impunity. The international community must insist on a political solution to the question of leadership in Zimbabwe. This may involve a postponement of the election, giving the time for the establishment of control mechanisms based on internationally accepted standards that would guarantee the unhindered expression of will of the people of Zimbabwe through truly free and fair elections. It is essential that the international community reaffirm the integrity of democratic elections as the means by which Zimbabwean citizens choose their leaders. National governments clearly have the primary and sovereign responsibility to provide for the safety and well-being of their people. However, when there is egregious failure to carry out that responsibility, whether by neglect, lack of capacity, or direct assaults on the population, the international community has the duty to assist peoples and states, and in extreme situations, to intervene in the internal affairs of a state in the interests and safety of the people. When the State can no longer provide protection to its own people, the principle of non-intervention (art. 2.7 of the UN Charter) yields to the responsibility of the international community to protect them. This is the responsibility to protect (R2P). At one time, Zimbabwe stood as the breadbasket of Africa. Its strengthening economy and growing freedoms served as a beacon of hope to all Africans who pursued the promise of a new Africa. Today Zimbabwe represents only suffering and hardship. The people of Zimbabwe deserve better, and we as church leaders pray that the deep faith and perseverance of a proud people will once again emerge and be put in the service of rebuilding this society that is so tragically ravaged by distrust, dissension and violence. The biblical prophet Amos proclaimed the coming of a day when “justice” would “roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24). Our prayer is for the speedy arrival of that day in Zimbabwe, and our hope is that the international community will accept this prophecy as a vision and a goal.
In peace,
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia General Secretary World Council of Churches
Rev. Michael WallaceGeneral Secretary World Student Christian Federation
CC: H.E. President Thabo Mbeki, Republic of South AfricaRev.
Dr Mvume Dandala, General Secretary, All Africa Conference of Churches
Mr Eddie Makue, Chair, FOCCISA
Two international ecumenical bodies called on the UN, the South African Development Community and the African Union "to increase [their] efforts to address the rapidly deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe". Emergency aid, postponement of the run-off election and the responsibility of the international community to intervene in protection of the people are amongst the main concerns. In a joint letter issued in Geneva today, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) requested the three international bodies to pay "urgent attention to the humanitarian needs of the people of Zimbabwe, their freedom to exercise religion, the destabilization of the political situation and the need to end human rights abuses". The joint letter refers to the need of "international intervention" in order to distribute food aid, as Zimbabweans face "the imminent threat of starvation in some areas". It also mentions the need for a political solution that "may involve a postponement of the election", as well as the importance of bringing perpetrators of violence to trial. "There can be no impunity", the letter says. "We have learned from our Zimbabwean brothers and sisters that some churches have been kept from offering worship while other church services have been violently dispersed. This situation, which is underreported in the media, is unacceptable and must receive urgent attention from the world community", states the letter signed by WCC General Secretary Samuel Kobia and WSCF General Secretary Michael Wallace. The letter makes a point of reminding that "in extreme situations" the international community "has the duty […] to intervene in the internal affairs of a state in the interests and safety of the people", a principle known as "responsibility to protect". The full text of the joint WCC-WSCF letter follows below.
H.E. Ban Ki-moonSecretary GeneralUnited Nations
H.E. Levy Mwanawasa Chair, SADC,
H.E. Jakaya Kikwete Chair, African Union
Geneva, 24 June 2008
A Joint Letter from the World Council of Churches and the World Student Christian Federation
Excellencies,
We welcome the statement of 23 June by UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, and the preliminary action taken by the UN Security Council on Zimbabwe; we also welcome the statement of 23 June by the Chair of SADC, H.E. Levy Mwanawasa. It is now with profound concern that we call on you to increase your efforts to address the rapidly deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe. As church leaders representing more than 550 million Christians around the world, including members of many churches in Zimbabwe, we request that you direct urgent attention to the humanitarian needs of the people of Zimbabwe, their freedom to exercise religion, the destabilization of the political situation and the need to end human rights abuses. Reports from those in and outside Zimbabwe persuade us that international intervention is now needed to distribute much-needed food aid. The government’s decision to end food distribution by international agencies has led only to political isolation and increased suffering.Food and medicine are in particular demand, with the imminent threat of starvation in some areas. Education has also been disrupted, with some schools now housing government troops. We have learned from our Zimbabwean brothers and sisters that some churches have been kept from offering worship while other church services have been violently dispersed. This situation, which is underreported in the media, is unacceptable and must receive urgent attention from the world community. The much more publicized disintegration of the political situation can no longer be overlooked by the world. We are concerned that Zimbabweans have been denied the right to choose their own leader in a free and fair election. The sovereignty of the people has been violated and must be restored. The party that has created this violent situation on the ground now seems poised to be awarded the presidency, and with it the power to appoint additional senators who will sway the balance of parliament. Such a manipulation of the election process can have no legitimacy in the eyes of Zimbabweans or of the world. This precedent must not be set as the norm. Charges have been made that serious crimes are being committed. These allegations must be investigated; if found to be substantial, alleged perpetrators must stand trial. The current election cycle has been reduced to a shambles. If the perpetrators of violence are not brought to account, attempts at a political solution will be fundamentally undermined. There can be no impunity. The international community must insist on a political solution to the question of leadership in Zimbabwe. This may involve a postponement of the election, giving the time for the establishment of control mechanisms based on internationally accepted standards that would guarantee the unhindered expression of will of the people of Zimbabwe through truly free and fair elections. It is essential that the international community reaffirm the integrity of democratic elections as the means by which Zimbabwean citizens choose their leaders. National governments clearly have the primary and sovereign responsibility to provide for the safety and well-being of their people. However, when there is egregious failure to carry out that responsibility, whether by neglect, lack of capacity, or direct assaults on the population, the international community has the duty to assist peoples and states, and in extreme situations, to intervene in the internal affairs of a state in the interests and safety of the people. When the State can no longer provide protection to its own people, the principle of non-intervention (art. 2.7 of the UN Charter) yields to the responsibility of the international community to protect them. This is the responsibility to protect (R2P). At one time, Zimbabwe stood as the breadbasket of Africa. Its strengthening economy and growing freedoms served as a beacon of hope to all Africans who pursued the promise of a new Africa. Today Zimbabwe represents only suffering and hardship. The people of Zimbabwe deserve better, and we as church leaders pray that the deep faith and perseverance of a proud people will once again emerge and be put in the service of rebuilding this society that is so tragically ravaged by distrust, dissension and violence. The biblical prophet Amos proclaimed the coming of a day when “justice” would “roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24). Our prayer is for the speedy arrival of that day in Zimbabwe, and our hope is that the international community will accept this prophecy as a vision and a goal.
In peace,
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia General Secretary World Council of Churches
Rev. Michael WallaceGeneral Secretary World Student Christian Federation
CC: H.E. President Thabo Mbeki, Republic of South AfricaRev.
Dr Mvume Dandala, General Secretary, All Africa Conference of Churches
Mr Eddie Makue, Chair, FOCCISA
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