Part II: Zimbabwe

Now, the second country you don't hear much about. By Dan Gilligan:

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Part II of this three-part series takes us to Zimbabwe. The media recently gave some attention to the political and human rights situation there following the March 11^th arrests of several political activists and members of the opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Over fifty members were reportedly arrested and brutally beaten by police officers and most are still believed to be held in custody. Their crime? Peacefully assembling in support of open and fair democratic elections for new leadership of their country.

Since initially being elected Prime Minister in 1980 Robert Mugabe has moved to consolidate power and committed egregious violations of human rights to maintain it, including but not limited to:

- Rigging elections

- The forced relocation and evictions of minorities, notably the recent Operation Murambatsvina or ‘Drive out the Rubbish’

- Systematic discrimination against women, the disabled, and homosexuals

-Curtailing basic needs such as: food, shelter, as well as freedom of movement and residence

-Limiting important political freedoms such as assembly, the press, and participation in civil organizations or opposition parties

While Mr. Mugabe focuses on policies that maintain power and offer short-term solutions, his country long ago collapsed economically and continues to worsen. Simultaneously, he’s obstructing the efforts of outside aid organizations to offer even basic humanitarian relief.

Fast Facts:

1. Robert Mugabe just celebrated his 83rd birthday; average life expectancy in Zimbabwe is 38.

2. Zimbabwe’s Infant Mortality Rate nears 52 per 1000 births.

3. Inflation rose from an annual rate of 32% in 1998 to a high of 1,730% on March 10 of this year, which is currently the world’s highest.

4. The ‘official’ unemployment rate in Zimbabwe in 80%.

Operation Murambatsvina is estimated to have affected some 700,000 people. 5,000 - 6,000 are estimated to be housed in ‘transit camps’ while the rest been absorbed into now severely overcrowded households in urban and rural areas or are sleeping outside in small groups scattered across the country.

Learn More By Visiting:

1. Amnesty’s Country Report

2. BBC News Profile

Take Action by:

1. Contacting UK Ambassador to the UN Emyr Jones-Parry and support his effort to get the UN Security Council to step up its actions against Robert Mugabe.

2. Contact National Media and tell them you want to see more coverage of the ongoing political crisis in Zimbabwe following the March 11^th arrests for a peaceful political rally.