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=============COSATU Weekly
08-15 Feb 2001
www.cosatu.org.za [3]

Civil society organisations to work on their readiness for
Zim situation

Progressive civil society organisations in South Africa,
including the SA NGO Coalition (Sangoco), Amnesty
International and the Centre for Study of Violence and
Reconciliation, this week resolved, among others, to marshal
resources within SA society to deal with the impending
humanitarian and refugee crisis in Zimbabwe.

In a statement issued after their one-day meeting in
Johannesburg to discuss the role of the civil society in the
unfolding events in Zimbabwe, the organisations raised
concerns that democracy in the country remained under threat
with ongoing human rights abuses.

They vowed to work on the South Africa’s readiness to deal
with possible influx of refugees, especially in the light of the
upcoming March elections in that country. “We will ensure an
appropriate response from NGOs, governments and civil
society, especially those in provinces neighbouring
Zimbabwe,” said the organisations.

They further resolved to support and engage the South African
government in initiatives related to the defence of democracy
and rule of law in Zimbabwe. The organisations said they
would mobilise and pool resources as well as build up a
relationship with Zimbabwean civil society. They urged any
organisation to contact them should they wish to participate in
expressing solidarity and support for the Zimbabwean people.