SADC pressed to tackle unpleasant human rights situation in the region
By Natasha Justin
Local, regional and international organizations working in Zimbabwe have pressed Southern African Development Community (SADC) to address human rights violations among its member states as a part of measure to improve the lively hood of its people.
Addressing a press briefing on Thursday ahead of the 34th SADC Summit being hosted by Zimbabwe on the 17th and 18th of August 2014, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch urged the regional bloc to create conditions for people to enjoy their economic, social and political rights.
“Human rights are central to achieve sustainable economic development and regional integrations, SADC should strive to create conditions for all to enjoy their economic, social civil and political rights,” said Deprose Muchena, the Southern Africa Director for Amnesty International.
Tiseke Kasambala, Southern Africa Director at Human Rights Watch said SADC leaders need to hold each other accountable to human rights upheaval.
“If there is no inclusiveness, gender imparity, independent press and vibrant civil society, the issue of sustainable economic growth won’t be practical,” said Kasambala.
They further encouraged the SADC leadership to be responsive to the real needs of the ordinary people and vigorously implement regional and international human rights standards.
The three organizations said the 34th SADC summit is taking place in Zimbabwe at a time when the Chingwizi flood victims have been arrested and tortured at the hands of the State.
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights Projects Manager, Dzimbabwe Chimbga also said the human rights situation in Zimbabwe left a lot to be desired as the people’s rights to water, sanitation and health care were not being attended to by the government in power.
“Many people in Harare have little access to water and sanitation services which has led to the violation of their right to water, sanitation, and access to basic health care
“Closure of companies and retrenchment resulting in unemployment are other basic rights that are being overlooked in terms of the ZimAsset and new constitution,” said Chimbga.
