Zimbabwe Urged to Take Action: Calls for Justice as UN Convention on Enforced Disappearances Remains Undomesticated
Civil society organizations are calling on the Zimbabwean government to take immediate action and domesticate the United Nations International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances. Despite signing the international statute in 2007, the country is yet to fully implement its provisions at the domestic level.
As Zimbabwe joined the world in commemorating the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, prominent groups such as the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) and the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue. They are urging the government to recognize enforced disappearances as a stand-alone offense under national law and impose appropriate penalties that reflect the gravity of the crime.
Additionally, the organizations are advocating for the provision of reparations to survivors and victims’ families, including compensation, rehabilitation, restitution, and a guarantee of non-recurrence. Transparent investigations into unresolved cases of enforced disappearances are also being demanded to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their heinous actions.
Obert Masaraure, spokesperson for the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, highlighted the concerning trend of enforced disappearances being used as a political tool by members of the ruling Zanu PF party against political opponents. Masaraure emphasized the need for immediate action to safeguard the rights and safety of individuals and prevent further human rights abuses.
The case of missing activist Itai Dzamara was specifically mentioned, with Willias Madzimure of the former Citizens Coalition for Change expressing disappointment in the government’s failure to bring closure to the investigation. Madzimure questioned the absence of progress reports and urged the authorities to demonstrate their commitment to finding the truth.
Another victim of enforced disappearance, Patrick Nabanyama, has been missing since his alleged abduction by suspected State security agents in 2000. The lingering uncertainty surrounding his fate adds to the urgency of addressing the issue and ensuring justice for all victims and their families.
The domestication of the UN Convention on Enforced Disappearances is crucial to protect the rights and dignity of individuals in Zimbabwe. Advocates stress the importance of aligning national laws with international human rights standards to prevent further violations and address the ongoing impunity.
The government now faces mounting pressure to take immediate steps toward implementing the convention, conducting transparent investigations, and bringing perpetrators of enforced disappearances to justice. The international community is closely watching as Zimbabwe grapples with this critical human rights issue, as it sets the tone for the nation’s commitment to upholding fundamental rights and the rule of law.
