ZHRO: Ten Years of Walking for Freedom — Zimbabweans Will Not Be Silenced
For ten years, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO) has stood with Zimbabweans in the struggle for human rights, dignity, justice and democratic change. The Walk for Freedom is more than an event—it is a powerful reminder that Zimbabweans, both at home and in the diaspora, have not forgotten their rights and will not surrender their voices.
As we mark 10 years of the Walk for Freedom, we celebrate a decade of peaceful resistance, solidarity and speaking out against injustice. We walk for those whose voices have been silenced, for families who have lost loved ones, for political activists who have faced intimidation and persecution, and for every Zimbabwean who dreams of a country where human rights are respected.
Zimbabweans are angry. They are frustrated by poverty, unemployment, corruption, political intimidation and restrictions on civic space.The Patriotic Act has become a major symbol of these concerns. Human-rights organisations have criticised provisions of the law that can restrict freedom of expression, assembly and association.
We ask: How can demanding accountability become a crime? How can speaking for your fellow citizens become an offence?
We walk because we believe that human rights must never be treated as a crime.
We also mourn the loss of Kelvin Bonzo, whose death has raised serious concerns among Zimbabweans. Allegations surrounding his death must be investigated independently and transparently, and anyone responsible must be held accountable regardless of political connections.
Kelvin’s death must not simply become another statistic. His family deserves justice. Zimbabweans deserve answers.We are also deeply concerned about the state of Zimbabwe’s healthcare system. A country where people struggle to access adequate medicines, treatment and functioning healthcare facilities is a country failing its citizens. Healthcare should preserve life—not leave vulnerable people feeling abandoned.
The message of the Walk for Freedom is clear:
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- We want justice.
- We want accountability.
- We want freedom of expression.
- We want freedom of assembly.
- We want respect for human dignity.
- We want democratic change.
We want a government that serves the people.
ZHRO’s continued support for Zimbabweans demonstrates that the struggle for human rights does not end at Zimbabwe’s borders. Zimbabweans in the diaspora have a voice, and that voice matters.
After ten years of walking for freedom, we are still walking because the work is not finished.We will not be intimidated.
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- We will not be silenced.
- We will not forget those who suffered.
- We will continue to speak.
- We will continue to demand justice
Our demand is for peaceful democratic change and accountable leadership. Zimbabwe deserves a government that respects its citizens, protects their rights and answers to the people.
We walk because we believe Zimbabwe can be better.
We walk because freedom belongs to every Zimbabwean.
We walk because silence is not an option.Ten years of walking.
Ten years of speaking. Ten years of standing for freedom.
And until Zimbabweans can freely exercise their fundamental rights without fear, we will continue to raise our voices and demand change.
ZHRO — 10 Years of the Walk for Freedom
Zimbabweans United for Human Rights, Justice and Freedom.Written by Samuel Jambaya