[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

16 January 2009

The South African Human Rights Commission remains concerned about the ongoing human rights violations in Zimbabwe. These violations contradict the provisions of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights as well as other international human rights instruments. Notwithstanding various calls from various quarters, the position still remains dire and for millions of Zimbabweans life remains precarious.

The recent cholera outbreak which is weighing heavily on that country and on Southern African Development Community's (SADC) already over-burdened healthcare system is clear demonstration that there can never be peace and stability in the region as countries such as Zimbabwe continue to experience human rights violations.

Given the seriousness of the situation there is a duty on all institutions and agencies responsible for human rights to use their power and authority to intervene. And while the Commission acknowledges that some have taken steps to address the situation, there is however an urgent need for urgency and decisiveness in this regard.

We therefore urge the African Commission to dispatch a delegation to Zimbabwe as well as to request that the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) take all measures to seize the situation there.

Issued by: South African Human Rights Commission
16 January 2009
Source: South African Human Rights Commission http://www.sahrc.org.za