Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights Urge Mnangagwa to Criminalize Torture

• Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights urge Mnangagwa’s government to act against torture.
• International Day in Support of Victims of Torture prompts ZLHR’s statement.
• ZLHR outlines ongoing torture incidents linked to politically targeted individuals.
• There’s a failure to address impunity for torturers by the government.
• Ratification of the UN Convention Against Torture is crucial to prevent abuse.

Call to Action from Human Rights Advocates

In a strong statement, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has called upon President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to take immediate and decisive action to criminalize torture. This appeal comes as the world observes the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, observed on June 27, a date carrying heavy significance for many Zimbabweans. This day serves as a somber reminder of the 2008 political violence, during which the late opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was forced to withdraw from a presidential run-off election due to widespread, state-sponsored attacks that resulted in over 300 tragic deaths.

Ongoing Concerns About Torture Practices

ZLHR’s statement highlighted the continued prevalence of torture and violence associated with detention by security forces in Zimbabwe, particularly targeting those who are politically marginalized. The organization expressed alarm over reports detailing the inhumane treatment inflicted upon suspects and prisoners within detention facilities. Notably, the security services, implicated as torturers, stand in stark contradiction to the provisions outlined in the Zimbabwean constitution, notably section 53, which expressly forbids such barbaric practices. This calls into question the government’s commitment to upholding human rights and enforcing accountability for such egregious acts.

Urgent Need for Legislative Change

In their statement, ZLHR also condemned the government’s apparent ineffectiveness in combating impunity for torture incidents, which speaks volumes about the need for systematic change. The organization pointed out that despite sustained pressure from civic groups and various recommendations made by several United Nations Member States, the government has yet to ratify the UN Convention Against Torture. This lack of action is disheartening, given that ratifying the Convention is widely regarded as a crucial step toward preventing torture and alleviating the suffering of victims and survivors. It’s critical for the government to recognize the moral and ethical imperatives of this issue and to act accordingly to protect human rights in Zimbabwe.

The urgent call from the ZLHR for the Zimbabwean government to criminalize torture highlights a significant gap in the protection of human rights within the country. The organization’s plea is rooted in the painful history of political violence and the ongoing reality of torture in detention facilities. For progress to occur, it is imperative that those in power recognize their responsibilities to uphold human dignity and take tangible steps to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.