Crackdown on Women in Zimbabwe Tied to Protests over Deteriorating Conditions, Amnesty International Says
- From: "Zvakanaka" <lalapansi@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2007 05:59:55 +0200
Amnest International Press Release
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA
PRESS RELEASE
July 25, 2007
Crackdown on Women in Zimbabwe Tied to Protests over Deteriorating
Conditions, Amnesty International Says
Arbitrary Arrests, Torture and Imprisonment Reported
(New York) -- Women in Zimbabwe are suffering increased government
repression, including arbitrary arrest, torture and imprisonment by police,
as they mobilize to confront the country's deteriorating economic and social
conditions, according to a new report released today by Amnesty
International. In some cases, targeted women are refused food aid.
The report is based on the findings of a three-week research mission during
which Amnesty International's delegates interviewed scores of women of all
ages throughout Zimbabwe, from both townships and rural areas.
"Economic and social conditions for most Zimbabweans are appalling and must
be improved," said Larry Cox, executive director of Amnesty International
USA. "Rather than attacking women who are demanding change and trying to
make life better for themselves and their families, the government should
address the underlying economic and social problems that are motivating
women to protest."
Women activists make up a very large percentage of the hundreds of
Zimbabwean human rights defenders who have been arbitrarily arrested and
detained for engaging in peaceful protest marches or meetings over the last
two years. Amnesty International delegates spoke to many women who became
human rights defenders following repeated violations of their rights by the
Zimbabwean government.
Most women interviewed by Amnesty International reported being subjected to
beatings and other ill-treatment while in police custody, in some cases
amounting to torture.
In addition, they have been subjected to sexist verbal abuse and derogatory
accusations aimed at discrediting their character and work. Some have been
detained in deplorable conditions with their children or while pregnant.
"Women in Zimbabwe should be praised for their bravery and determination in
the face of increasing government repression," said Lynn Fredriksson,
Amnesty International USA Advocacy Director for Africa. "Women activists are
aware of the dangers they face but refuse to be intimidated into submission.
They are demanding respect and human rights in the face of severe repression
that harms both them and their families, who are left without their care."
Women activists told Amnesty International that police often accuse them of
being used by the British and American governments with the goal of
overthrowing the Zimbabwean government. These accusations are often followed
by random beatings, with some women suffering serious injuries, including
broken limbs.
Clara, a 60-year-old widow in Masvingo province, is a member of the Women's
Coalition -- a national women's human rights organization. In 2003, Clara
spoke out against discrimination in food aid distribution in her village at
a community meeting. She was accused by local ruling party officials of
being a member of the opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change
(MDC). To this day, Clara is still not allowed to buy Grain Marketing Board
(GMB) maize.
Many women human rights defenders are not allowed to buy maize from the GMB
simply because they belong to human rights organizations or speak out
against discrimination or other abuses in their communities -- in violation
of their right to adequate food.
Women from both rural and urban areas in Zimbabwe are finding it
increasingly difficult to buy food, pay for medical care and earn a living
to support their families. The majority of those affected by the
government's clampdown on the informal business sector in 2005 are poor
women.
Amnesty International delegates witnessed the desperation caused by daily
spikes in food and transportation costs, while most people's wages remained
static. In every location visited by the organization, women were
desperately trying to sell their goods, while at the same time trying to
avoid being arrested and having their goods confiscated by police.
Amnesty International called on the heads of state of the Southern Africa
Development Community (SADC) to redouble their efforts to end human rights
violations in Zimbabwe. The SADC holds it next summit meeting in Zambia in
August 2007. Amnesty International called on the group to insist that
President Mugabe immediately end the intimidation, ill-treatment, torture
and harassment of critics of government policies.
"Women activists are an important resource for the development of Zimbabwe
and must be seen as such by the government. They play a pivotal role in
addressing the many human rights challenges the country is facing. The
government must acknowledge the legitimacy of their work and stamp out any
discrimination against women," said Irene Kahn, Secretary General of Amnesty
International.
Note to editors:
Amnesty International delegates made several requests for meetings with
Zimbabwean government officials to discuss their concerns -- both in person
and in writing -- but were refused an interview on all occasions.
.
- Prev by Date: Zimbabwe Election Watch - Issue 2
- Next by Date: Zimbabwe police - take note, you are personally liable for what you are doing
- Previous by thread: Zimbabwe Election Watch - Issue 2
- Next by thread: Zimbabwe police - take note, you are personally liable for what you are doing
- Index(es):
Relevant Pages
|
