United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Visit Commendable"

Together with other civic organizations involved in the promotion and protection of human rights ZIMCET met with Ms Pillay on Tuesday 22nd of May 2012 to deliberate on human rights issues affecting the people of Zimbabwe. ZIMCET is concerned by the absence of the rule of law, selective application of the law, continuation of violence and intimidation, partisan conduct of the security forces, absence of a strong and meaningful mechanism for national healing and reconciliation, hate speech in public media and interference in non-governmental organizations’ work and thus believes Madam Pillay’s visit will go a long way in the fulfillment of human rights in Zimbabwe.

It is however disturbing to note that some political actors such as the Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs Hon. Patrick Chinamasa are attempting to paint an imaginary rosy human rights situation in the country by denying the existence of violence in Zimbabwe. ZIMCET further notes with dismay the attempts by government to intimidate civic leaders who were organizing the meeting between civil society organizations and Madam Pillay after they insisted on having their own meeting at their own venue and rejected to participate in a government arranged meeting at Parliament.

ZIMCET remains optimistic that Madam Pillay will, at the end of her visit, be able to give an independent and objective assessment of the human rights situation on the ground and offer recommendations on what must be done in Zimbabwe to protect and promote human rights.

ZIMCET remains committed to building a society based on peace, human rights and tolerance for the development of Zimbabwe.


(2012-05-25/thezimbabwean)