Zimbabwe
Trial Observations 2009
The IBAHRI has sent an observer to the trial of Alec Muchadehama, a human rights lawyer in Zimbabwe, whose trial commenced on 14 October 2009.
On 25 June 2009, the IBAHRI sent a trial observer to the hearing of Jestina Mukoko and other political abductees before the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe. The applicants complained that their constitutional rights were infringed by their abduction, lengthy unlawful detention, treatment during detention (including torture) and the State’s failure to take appropriate action against those responsible while at the same time vigorously pursuing criminal charges against the abductees. The relief sought before the Supreme Court was a permanent stay of proceedings against the abductees in order to enforce their constitutionally protected rights. The Supreme Court issued judgment on 28 September 2009 and concluded that the state, through its agent, had violated Mukoko’s constitutional rights. The court ordered a permanent stay of the criminal proceedings against Mukoko.
Trial Observations 2008 and 2005
The IBAHRI received funding from the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) to run a trial observation programme in Zimbabwe.
This coincided with a series of arrests that were made prior to the run off elections in June 2008. Many of those arrested were practising lawyers, and in some cases were carrying out their professional duties at the time of arrest.
The IBAHRI sent observers to the trial of advocate Innocent Chagonda which took place at regular intervals throughout April, May and June 2008. During the observation, another lawyer, Harrison Nkomo was arrested and a trial date was set. The IBAHRI’s observer remained in Harare to observe and attend this hearing. The courts were found to be unprepared for the appearance of the defendants on several occasions leading to regular postponements of trials to later dates. However, IBAHRI’s observer continued to attend and remained present in country throughout this period. The IBA continued to monitor between trial dates.
Innocent Chagonda had the charges against him withdrawn on the 7 October 2008. The IBAHRI will continue to monitor developments of these cases and other incidents as they occur in Zimbabwe.
On 11 July 2005, the HRI sent a Trial Observer to Zimbabwe’s Provisional Magistrate’s Court in Bulawayo to hear a trial concerning 29 members of the human rights group Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA). WOZA members were charged following protest demonstrations against the Zimbabwean government’s recent demolition campaign. All 29 members were aquitted.
Media work, 2005-2008
The IBA has heavily criticised the detention of human rights activists in Zimbabwe. For more details follow the links below.
The IBA has sustained a media campaign throughout the recent unrest in Zimbabwe. This included a media focus throughout the election process, and maintaining a high IBA profile on mainstream broadcast and print. For details on our media work in Zimbabwe, follow the link below.
Report, 2007
The IBA contributed to the 2007 report Human Rights in Crisis: Shadow Report to the African Commission on Human and People's Rights alongside four other human rights organisations. This came as a response to the state report submitted by the government of Zimbabwe to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Each chapter of this report was produced by a different human rights organisation: the International Bar Association, Amnesty International, Article 19, Human Rights Watch and Redre ss.
Human Rights in Crisis: Shadow Report to the African Commission on Human and People's Rights (IBA; Amnesty International; Article 19; Redress; Zimbabwe NGO Forum)
Fact-finding, 2007
The IBAHRI sent a team of experts for a fact-finding visit to Zimbabwe in August 2007. The visit was prompted by increasing international, regional and domestic concerns at the apparent erosion of the rule of law in Zimbabwe, related to unlawful police action in the country, police excesses and brutality and the intimidation of civilians, human rights activists, the organised legal profession, trade unions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The delegation was sent to investigate the status of the rule of law and administration of justice in that country and, in particular, the role of the police in the administration of justice. The findings of the visit are outlined in the report, which can be downloaded by clicking the link below
November 2007 - Partisan Policing: An obstacle to human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe
- Download the report Fact finding visit, 2001
Fact-finding, 2001
A delegation of distinguished international judges and lawyers visited Zimbabwe between 12 March 2001 and 18 March 2001 to meet with judges, academics and government representatives, including President Robert Mugabe. The findings of the visit are outlined in the report below.
Report Highlighting the Critical Situation Faced by Judges and Lawyers in Zimbabwe (April 2001)
Capacity Building, 2002
In 2002, the IBA sent three legal specialists to Zimbabwe to work with the Law Society (LSZ). Activities included organising training, developing a website, coordinating a workshop on UN Mechanisms and the African Commission and training in ethics, office management, human rights and trust management.
The HRI supported the Law Society in organising a Strategic Review held in August 2004 and is currently assisting with a follow-up seminar to design a programme of action based on the findings of the review.
The IBA continues to empower the LSZ to take the leadership role on issues of rule of law and independence of the profession. The IBA also supports the LSZ’s CLE programme by sending experts to participate in training sessions on human rights, combating torture, independence of the judiciary and other human rights related topics.
For further information please contact hri@int-bar.org