(SAHRC) regarding the declining situation in Zimbabwe
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
