Zimbabwe’s social economic conditions remain desperate say Amnesty
By Violet Gonda
18 June 2009

Irene Khan, Amnesty International Secretary General, said on Thursday the human rights situation in Zimbabwe is precarious. While the Global Political agreement in Zimbabwe provided a framework for change she explained, there is still no consistent commitment to its implementation throughout the government. The Amnesty International official said ‘words’ have not been followed by ‘real change,’ and there was no real urgency by some government officials to transform.

“The government must give as much attention to securing human rights reforms as they are to seeking economic resources,” said Khan. She was speaking after a six day high level mission to the country, where she said the socio-economic conditions are desperate for the vast majority of Zimbabweans.
A statement issued by the international pressure group said the Secretary General met with senior government Ministers, human rights activists and victims of human rights violations.

“Persistent and serious human rights violations, combined with the failure to introduce reform of the police, army and security forces, or address impunity and the lack of clear commitment on some parts of the government are real obstacles that need to be confronted by the top leadership of Zimbabwe,” said Khan after the fact finding mission.

“No serious efforts have been made to reform the security sector. No major investigation or prosecution has been brought against those responsible for state-sponsored political violence in recent years. Some elements of ZANU-PF still see the use of violence as a legitimate tool to crush political opponents.”
“The combination of these factors could again generate grave human rights abuses in the lead up to future elections.”

The internationally recognised group called for the strengthening of the voice of civil society, in the absence of a Parliamentary opposition, and the freeing of the media, for meaningful debate to take place in Zimbabwe.

The Secretary General also said: “For the climate of intimidation to end, President Mugabe and Prime Minister Tsvangirai must make public statements clearly instructing all party activists to stop harassment, intimidation, and threats against perceived political opponents, including teachers and lawyers.”

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe and some MDC officials have reported that violence had started again in some parts of the country.