Rights Conditions Decline in Zimbabwe

(New York, June 9, 2003) - Human rights conditions have deteriorated
markedly in Zimbabwe over the last few months, Human Rights Watch
said in a new briefing paper published today.

The briefing paper, "Under a Shadow: Civil and Political Rights in
Zimbabwe," details the government's policy of repression and the
harassment of opposition party members by state institutions and
supporters of the ruling party. The direct involvement of ranking
government officials and state security forces marks a new and
worrisome trend in Zimbabwe's ongoing political crisis.

"Not only have the army and police personnel failed to protect people
from human rights abuses, but they are now carrying out abuses
themselves," said Peter Takirambudde, executive director of the
Africa Division at Human Rights Watch. "In addition, recent
legislation has drastically curtailed citizens' rights to freedom of
expression, assembly and association."

Zimbabwe's main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change
(MDC), led a workplace stayaway from June 2-6 to protest declining
economic and political conditions and force the resignation of
President Mugabe. Public demonstrations and a protest march, which
are illegal under the 2002 Public Order and Security Act, were
dismantled by state security forces in Harare.

On March 18 and 19, a similar general strike resulted in the arrest
of more than 400 citizens and a severe government backlash against
political activity. The MDC was prevented from undertaking normal
campaign activities in the run-up to two parliamentary by-elections,
and party activists were harassed, detained and beaten.

The political violence prevalent in rural areas since 2000 has now
become common in urban centers, and non-political actors such as
civic organizations and church leaders are increasingly targeted. The
majority of the violence in recent months has been committed by state
security forces and youth militias.

"Systematic arbitrary arrests and other abuses of dissidents' human
rights violates Zimbabwe's obligations under international law," said
Takirambudde. "The government must end the culture of impunity before
human rights conditions decline further."

Human Rights Watch called on the government of Zimbabwe to
reestablish the rule of law, disband youth militia, withdraw military
personnel from residential areas, and revise legislation that are
contrary to international human rights law. All sides are urged to
promote a climate of tolerance and mutual respect for differing
political opinions.

The briefing paper can be found online at
http://hrw.org/backgrounder/africa/zimbabwe060603.htm.

To read more on human rights in Zimbabwe, please see:
http://www.hrw.org/africa/zimbabwe.php