Fight the Flight Vigil Weds 11th August 2021
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Today on the 11th August 2021 we had TWO Vigils/Demonstrations. One in London outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, the other in the City centre of Newcastle.
In London the modest Wednesday Vigil was graced with Natasha Dyer, who was looking into xenophobia and discrimination for a research project. Focusing on the effect on women in particular. The Women at the Vigil spoke on the issues that they have faced in the UK. In their everyday lives, work and particularly in the asylum process. Natasha was referred to us by Diane Taylor, at the Guardian Newspaper. During this discrimination against Zimbabweans [and Jamaicans, Vietnamese, Afghans etc as well] today Diane at the Guardian reported that just 7 Jamaicans left this morning on a chartered plane, which was estimated to have cost the British Tax-Payer £43,000 for each Jamaican Forcibly removed. A great deal of money, ostensibly to make a "Political Statement".
In London, songs were sung, drums and shakers were played to accompany the verbal insults to the Zanu PF 'so-called' leadership in Zimbabwe. We have to keep pointing out that the tragedy in Zimbabwe is exclusively the responsibility of the ruling Zanu PF political Party. But please, don't just take our word for it. This is PART of a report by the US Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe, concerning several aspects of the realities in Zimbabwe. The Full Report is available CLICK HERE
“Significant human rights issues included: unlawful or arbitrary killings of civilians by security forces; torture and arbitrary detention by security forces; cases of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment; harsh and life-threatening prison conditions; political prisoners or detainees; arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy; serious problems with the independence of the judiciary; serious government restrictions on free expression, press, and the internet, including violence, threats of violence, or unjustified arrests or prosecutions against journalists, censorship, site blocking, and the existence of criminal libel laws; substantial interference with the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of association; restrictions on freedom of movement; restrictions on political participation; widespread acts of corruption; lack of investigation of and accountability for violence against women; crimes involving violence or threats of violence targeting women and girls, and the existence of laws criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults, although not enforced.”
Petition and Plea to Raise Funds for Legal Action
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Link to Zimbabwe Community Appeal Online Petition
Legal Challenge to Stop Mass Deportations by the Home Office
The general publicImmigration support networksHuman Rights DefendersBlack Lives MatterZimbabwean Lives MatterJamician Lives MatterUK Home OfficeZimbabwe High CommissionJamician High CommissionDuncan LewisZimbabwean LawyersBail for Immigration DetaineesRestoration of Human Rights ZimbabweZimbabwe Human Rights OrganisationDiane AbbottZarah SultanaGlobal African CongressStatus NowSOAS Detainee SupportLord Peter HainBaroness Kate HoeyTendai BitiRight To RemainFreeMovement.OrgJoint Council for the Welfare of ImmigrantsActors For Human RightsRAPAR
Home Office Policy Change is Apparent
It has come to our attention that since the week commencing 5th July 2021, the UK Home Office "Enforcement Unit" has been detaining large numbers of Zimbabweans for the purpose of deporting [for those with a criminal conviction] or forcibly removing [those within the asylum system] on [expensive] chartered flights the first of which departed on Wednesday 21st July 2021. Those being "targeted" are mainly those without leave to remain and / or have no 'live' leave-to-remain applications filed with the Home Office. The Home Office are claiming that most are "hardened criminals" - but this is a gross distortion of the facts - simply pandering to bigotry.
It is our considered view that many of the deportees face imminent danger if they are forcibly returned to Zimbabwe.
The first flight left Stansted Airport at 11:30 pm on Wednesday the 21st July 2021 with merely 14 deportees on-board an Airbus A380. Many potential forced-removals being removed from the flight due to Legal interventions appertaining to individual cases. Those that did go, were not "activists"
The problem we have with the Home Office is that this "TARGET DRIVEN" policy is indiscriminate and fails to offer any real protection for those who have fled Zimbabwe due to persecution from the ruling Zanu PF Party.
Read more: Petition and Plea to Raise Funds for Legal Action
Zimbabwe Community Appeal [ZCA] Group position
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Statement: Zimbabwe Community Appeal
Zimbabwe Community Appeal [ZCA] Group position on the current immigration situation of Zimbabweans in the UK.
For many Zimbabweans this is the current situation that Zimbabweans in the UK find themselves in once more at the hands of the Zanu PF propaganda machine. Zimbabweans in the UK, have concerns for the many pending removals which are scheduled as identified in the leaked communique between the British Embassy in Harare and the Zanu PF Government. This identifies a target of 100 removals a month.
How will these be identified and where will they come from?
ZCA members, MDCA, ZHRO, ROHR and ZAPU are not inclined to support any murderers, rapists, and other ‘criminals’, rather they worked together to avail the needed support for those that were detained without notice, so that each one of them gets due process before any permanent outcome is decided.
We understand Ms Priti Patel’s assertion that criminals should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. But the current deportees have already served their sentences or are within their sentence in respect of the very few Zimbabwean murderers affected by this Home Office Policy change.
Whilst not condoning murderers, rapists, and Child molesters, many covered by the "criminal" blanket description have committed minor crimes, and many committed some kind of fraud to be able to work in the UK. The UK Asylum system is deliberately complex, convoluted, and expensive to navigate. Many of these so-called criminals have fallen foul of the discrimination in the UK's HO.
In addition, let us not forget how dangerous Zimbabwe is for those deemed as "against Zanu PF.”Or unable [by CIO evidence] to be able to swear allegiance to Zanu PF
British Embassy, Harare and Zanu PF do a Deal
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It’s very simple.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and their apparent communications to the Home Office do not have sufficient, nor up-to-date information to support a ‘broad-brush’ policy to deport or remove up to 100 Zimbabweans per month. A "deal" aparently made between the British Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe and the ruling Zanu PF "Government".
Irrespective of flights with 50 or less Zimbabweans on board plus the attendant “Support Staff” [Guards] Zimbabwe has become a very dangerous place for anybody connected with any opposition party, any human rights activist, journalists etc. Even now the Zimbabwean Government is pressuring NGO’s not to speak out concerning anything [to do with the Zanu PF Government]
If the Foreign Office would spend time talking with the MDC-A Opposition Party – in particular Tendia Biti, [Vice President] a gifted and committed Zimbabwean Politician, who ably steered the Finances of Zimbabwe during the “Unity Government”.
We have contact details if needed!
UK Government’s Latest Position: Sanctions
1st February 2021: In respect of Human Rights Abuses in Zimbabwe as stated on the UK Government Website; New Sanctions imposed.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-announces-sanctions-against-zimbabwe-security-chiefs
Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab said:
"These sanctions send a clear message that we will hold to account those responsible for the most egregious human rights violations, including the deaths of innocent Zimbabweans."
"These sanctions target senior individuals in the Government, and not ordinary Zimbabweans. We will continue to press for the necessary political and economic reforms that will benefit all Zimbabweans."
These sanctions are in addition to our work to hold the Government of Zimbabwe to account in implementing genuine political and economic reforms that benefit all Zimbabweans.
100 Zimbabweans to be removed per month
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It’s very simple.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and their apparent communications to the Home Office do not have sufficient, nor up-to-date information to support a ‘broad-brush’ policy to deport or remove up to 100 Zimbabweans per month. A "deal" aparently made between the British Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe and the ruling Zanu PF "Government".
Irrespective of flights with 50 or less Zimbabweans on board plus the attendant “Support Staff” [Guards] Zimbabwe has become a very dangerous place for anybody connected with any opposition party, any human rights activist, journalists etc. Even now the Zimbabwean Government is pressuring NGO’s not to speak out concerning anything [to do with the Zanu PF Government]
If the Foreign Office would spend time talking with the MDC-A Opposition Party – in particular Tendia Biti, [Vice President] a gifted and committed Zimbabwean Politician, who ably steered the Finances of Zimbabwe during the “Unity Government”.
We have contact details if needed!
UK Government’s Latest Position: Sanctions
1st February 2021: In respect of Human Rights Abuses in Zimbabwe as stated on the UK Government Website; New Sanctions imposed.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-announces-sanctions-against-zimbabwe-security-chiefs
Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab said:
"These sanctions send a clear message that we will hold to account those responsible for the most egregious human rights violations, including the deaths of innocent Zimbabweans."
"These sanctions target senior individuals in the Government, and not ordinary Zimbabweans. We will continue to press for the necessary political and economic reforms that will benefit all Zimbabweans."
These sanctions are in addition to our work to hold the Government of Zimbabwe to account in implementing genuine political and economic reforms that benefit all Zimbabweans.
No! to Constitutional Amendment Zimbabwe
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ROHR [Restoration of Human Rights - Zimbabwe] have initiated a campaign to prevent the Zimbabwe Constitution being futher subverted by the ruling Zanu PF Junta. At ZHRO we fully support this campaign and wish to assist in the furtherence of this desirable [as far as the democratic process goes on Zimbabwe] proposition.
Why we’re saying NO to the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 2
Summary
a) The Amendment of Bill No 2 strengthens dictatorship, undermines independence of the judiciary and erodes parliamentary oversight.
b) Consultations of the bill have been done during COVID, limiting the number of people who are allowed to appear at these hearings.
c) There was no prior public consultation before the constitutional amendment was gazetted.
d) The current constitution has not yet been fully aligned with the country’s laws so why is there now a rush to make amendments to this Constitution?
e) Almost 11 of the amendments benefit the person who sits in the President’s seat and the Executives and a few higher offices, but this has nothing to do with the general-public.
f) The bill dispenses with having a running mate leaving the choice of who to name as Vice-President into the hands of the President.
g) The bill enables the President to appoint up to 7 ministers from outside Parliament instead of the current 5.
h) The bill extends the provision for the party-list women members for another 10 years.
i) The bill separates the delimitation function from the population census that is held every 10 years.
j) The bill allows the President to be involved in the appointment and dismissal process of judges without subjecting them to the public interview procedure.
k) The bill allows judges of the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court to extend their tenure after reaching the retirement age of 70 annually for up to 5 years upon approval from the President.
l) The bill seeks to Create the office of the Public Protector, appointed by the President, who will take over certain functions concerning public maladministration from the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.
m) The Bill seeks to give the President the power to appoint the Prosecutor General on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, without the intervention of a public interview.
n) The bill also makes a special provision for the Prosecutor General to be removed for cause by a Tribunal.
o) The bill seeks to remove members of Parliament from the membership of provincial councils.
p) The bill makes a provision relating to provincial and metropolitan councils. Metropolitan councils will no longer be chaired by mayors but be elected in terms of Section 272 like provincial councils.
q) The bill provides for the election of 10 of the members of the Metropolitan Councils by a system of party list proportional representational.
r) There needs to be an apolitical youth quota system with gender balance that is accessible to independent candidates.
Lift the Ban - Updates
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LIFT THE BAN UPDATES - THE BIG NEWS
Refugee Action has initiated a campaign to allow those 'stuck' in the Asylum Process to work - and not just in the limited the "Shortage Occupation List" instigated by the Home Office
The BIG news from Refugee Action;
"I’m writing with some very exciting news. Having announced that we were at on our way to 100,000 signatures when we met in March earlier this year, I am delighted to announce that we have not only met that figure but actually reached 150,000 Lift the Ban petition signatures! This is an absolutely incredible achievement and is the result of the hard work you have all done up and down the country. Thank you for all the time and effort you have dedicated to this. Achieving 100,000 signatures felt like a “moon-shot” ambition in 2018 but now we have surpassed that in spades. As you know, we plan to hand-in the petition in the autumn (around mid-October) and we will share plans for this in due course."
"To mark this moment, we have developed a GIF that you can download here to share through social media platforms (a draft tweet to promote the GIF is below). If more convenient, you can also retweet the GIF via Refugee Action here or Asylum Matters here:"
· "BIG news! 150,000 people have signed the petition to #LiftTheBan and give people seeking asylum the right to work. Join them by signing the petition today:"
https://act.refugee-action.org.uk/page/29178/petition/1
[insert GIF from here
https://twitter.com/VOICESNetworkUK/status/1304353490601422848?s=20
More Opposition Members Arrested
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Arrest of Wiwa Job Sikhala Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Deputy Chairperson [21st August 2020]
Death by theft
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Death by Theft: : Zanu PF are guilty as charged
According to various sources including the World Health Organisation and the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC), the top 10 causes of death in Zimbabwe include HIV/AIDS, respiratory, heart, neonatal and diarrheal diseases (Typhoid and Cholera – as caused by broken Sewage system in Harare), and road accidents. A majority of these conditions, if not all, can be avoided if the government improved the health system and infrastructure. But we know, the reason why they don’t do this is because of a lack of foreign currency required to get these things done, and the reason for that is theft! The sort of theft shown in that RBZ list. State sanctioned theft of the highest order involving the President, cabinet, ministers, judges and Zanu associates who include church leaders of all people. Zimbabwe Embassy Protest 31st July 2020
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There is a concerted effort for all Zimbabweans who care about the direction of their homeland and the current and past injustices carried out by the Zanu PF regime, to protest on the 31st July 2020 outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London located at 429 The Strand, London WC2R 0AG.
Please be there. The Lockdown has severely limited our ability to conduct legitamate protests against the Zanu PF regime and all its crimes in Zimbabwe. From Abductions, Torture, Murder, Rape to Corruption and a gross mismanagement of the Economy. ZANU PF your time is UP!
Zim Embassy Protest LONDON
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This protest was a campaign to release Dr Peter Magumbei who had been illegally and immorally detained by the Zanu PF junta that rules Zimbabwe. This event took place on 18th September 2019. Supported by Molly and Sibongile
ZANU PF abducts MDC Women
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ZANU PF abducts MDC Women during COVID-19, ZHRO planning a series of Protests like no other. The British Embassy in Harare has expressed concern over the enforced disappearance of three MDC Alliance activists who were arrested on Wednesday during a flash demo in Warren Park, a suburb in Harare.
In a post on Twitter [14th May 2020], the UK Embassy urged Zimbabwean authorities to locate the missing activists and for the security services to act in line with the national Constitution. It said:
"Concerned to hear lawyers still not told of whereabouts of 3 female MDC officials reportedly arrested in Harare.
[We] Urge authorities to use their resources to locate urgently in line with security services’ obligation to act at all times in line with Zimbabwe’s law and constitution."
ZHRO vs SADC, London Rally Tanzania High Commission
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Read more: ZHRO vs SADC, London Rally Tanzania High Commission
105km Achieved in 2019
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The ZHRO walk for freedom started on Saturday 21st September 2019 at 6:30am at Brighton Pier. The end point was Hampton Court Train Station at 8:55am on Sunday 22nd September 2019. The first leg was started by Rashiwe Bayisayi and John Burke. They walked out of Brighton and up to the South Downs at Devil's Dyke [Photo: at the top] and then, all the way to Christ's Hospital Rail Station, where they took a break after the difficult 37 km stretch but, John Burke announced that he was pulling out with foot trouble.
The next leg was from Christ's Hospital Railway Station to Guildford Railway Station. This was done by, Rashiwe and Sarah Bayisayi, who stood-in for the retiring John Burke. This was the point at which, the walkers were met by, ZHRO Chairwoman, Chipochedenga Parirenyatwa. She was at Christ's Hospital Railway Station meeting point to help the walkers by being part of the support unit - with food, drink, massage and pep talk!
We cannot Mourn a Monster
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We are neither going to mourn nor celebrate his death. We would rather use his death to mark the end of one tyrant. He has caused, has been responsible for killings, abductions and wars. His system lives on. His system is what ZANU PF are using. The AU and UN have not called him and kith and kin out. Zanu PF Intimidation with Food Aid
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The Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs, Ezra Chadzamira last weekend gave a chilling warning to residents of Rutenga growth point Ward 18, Mwenezi East, that should they remain ‘defiantly’ in support of the MDC, food aid from government will be withdrawn from them.
Chadzamira made the remarks on August 24 when he addressed Zanu PF supporters who gathered at Rutenga, the heartland of the opposition party supporters in the district, for the victory celebrations hosted by Mwenezi East legislator Joosbi Omar.
Ward 18 is the only one won by the opposition party in the whole district during the 2018 harmonised elections. Mwenezi district has a total of 18 wards. Chadzamira said food aid was a privilege bestowed by Zanu PF and could be withdrawn from ‘non-Zanu PF supporters’ at any given time. He said the opposition supporters will for now be given a reprieve which will however not be maintained if they continued to exhibit ‘deviant’ behaviour.
“Everyone should get food aid because there is hunger all over. I heard that here in Rutenga social welfare is not being distributed but I have instructed the DA it must be distributed here as well. As time goes on, we will not continue feeding other people’s children….as we move forward, each one will be fed by his own father.
‘New Dispensation’ Has Redefined Kleptocracy – Biti (2)
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MDC co-vice president, Tendai Biti has bemoaned what he calls “State Capture” in Zimbabwe characterised by the formation of cartels in command agriculture, fuel sector, banking sector, communications sector, to mention but a few.
Biti opined that the crude ecosystem of State Capture now a reality in Zimbabwe has never been seen before. He writes:
"Beyond legitimacy and the economic crisis, the country suffers from an unprecedented, unparalleled and unmitigated, scourge of capture and corruption. The current regime has redefined kleptocracy, patronage and patrimonialism. The current regime has invented its own set of cronyism. A new blend of Mobutism that makes Mobutu Seseko a toddler, in the art of State Capture."
Read more: ‘New Dispensation’ Has Redefined Kleptocracy – Biti (2)
Illegal Inquiry says Veritas
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Parliamentary, legal and civil rights watchdog, Veritas, has said that the appointment of the Kgalema Motlanthe led Commission of Inquiry to look into the events of August 1 was illegal. However, Veritas goes on to say that President Emmerson Mnangagwa can still rectify the situation when a new cabinet is appointed. In its latest bulletin, Veritas says
Elections alone are not giving the Zimbabwe government the legitimacy we all so badly need. This is illustrated by the following statement: “When not shooting civilians in the back, Zimbabwe’s ruling élite seems to be shooting itself in the foot.” Those words appeared in The Economist on 11th August, in an article commenting on post-election violence. The Economist is a highly respected magazine read by influential people in government and business throughout the world, and its comments on Zimbabwe are likely to colour the attitudes of potential investors and many western governments towards this country.
In view of this, the President’s announcement that he has appointed a commission of inquiry to look into post-election violence is to be given a cautious welcome. Cautious because there are several problems with the commission, as will be explained in this bulletin.
The President’s Announcement
The announcement was given in a statement issued by the President on 29th August. In it he said that he had appointed a seven-member commission consisting of local, regional and international members “who have been appointed in terms of the Commission [sic] of Inquiry Act [Chapter 10:07].” The commission’s terms of reference, he went on, were as follows:
#This Flag at the House of Commons
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By Kingstone Jambawo: "Open for Freedom" meets "Walk for Freedom"
London - 22 February 2018 - The founder of #ThisFlag Movement Pastor Evan Mawarire presented a passionate speech about his experiences, economic drive, and constitutional challenges at Westminster Parliament today.
The event which was organised by the Henry Jackson Society was attended by members of Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO), Zimbabwe Diaspora Community, and Lord Chidgey who was in the chair until the arrival of MP for Vauxhall, Kate Hoey.
- In his speech Pastor Mawarire described the situation in Zimbabwe as dire saying that a 30 minute speech by President Mnangagwa cannot change the effects of 37 years.
- He said that those who were instrumental in intimidating the opposition - denied citizens their choices in 2008 and 2013 are still in government.
- He paid tribute to the late Morgan Tsvangirai for putting up a great fight for freedom and justice under the most difficult conditions.
- He criticised the regime for failing to publicly apologise for the Gukurahundi atrocities saying that it is the responsibility of the government to provide closure for the victims.
- He gave his own personal experience at the hands of the regime and warned that it can happen to anyone.
"We need to move away from a situation where Zimbabwe is owned by a few - $15 billion goes missing and no one can account for it - we were incarcerated for demanding our rights - gone are the days when people remained silent - young people have gripped the idea of freeing themselves - our freedom is more important to us than ever before" he said.
When asked by the BBC reporter about Free and Fair Election - he was not at all confident that these would happen and cited 2000 and 2008 as examples of Military interference (with 2008 being a de-facto Coup - the Military refused to accept the MDC Victory).
"When MDC won the elections in 2008, the missing factor was the ordinary citizens - we the people were the missing component - but since #ThisFlag Movement, people have made it their aim to sacrifice for freedom - Mugabe had said that there are special jails for people like us saying ‘leave our politics alone' - and people like Paul Chizuze and Itai Dzamara are still missing" he said.
Guilty until Proven Innocent
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Guilty until Proven Innocent – my detention experience
A loud bang on the door during a raid ….a sudden deprivation of liberty at a reporting centre…..DETENTION.
Unless you’ve experienced this, you’ll never really know the true face of UK Immigration.
For me, detention presented confusion, fear and anxiety. It opened a psychological wound which will take a long time to heal.
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