End Impunity for Human Rights Violations

Impunity is the failure to bring perpetrators of human rights violations to justice. It denies the victims their right to justice and redress. A culture of impunity continues to permeate Zimbabwean society. The human rights violations in Zimbabwe have been extensively documented. However compelling evidence of these injustices continues to be ignored. Very few perpetrators have been brought to account for their actions.

The main perpetrators of the abuses have been the police, loyal to the governing party. The main obstacle to impunity has been the unwillingness of the police force to investigate the crimes. Government has systematically harassed and intimidated magistrates undermining the role of the judiciary, eroding confidence in its decisions and damaging it as an institution.

The lack of impunity not only affects the victims and their families but it also allows the perpetrators to continue and helps foster further abuses and conflict. Victims also feel that their voices are being ignored. This leads to aggrieved individuals taking action into their own hands, adding to the existing problems.

The inclusive government in Zimbabwe still represents an opportunity to change the human rights culture that exists presently. Consultation across civil society must occur and the country must move forward both to protect human rights and those defending these rights.

Amnesty International calls on the government to:

1: Publicly acknowledge and take measures to address the political killings and       
    disappearances during the 2008 election.
2: Establish an impartial independent commission to investigate violations of  
     human rights.

To join Amnesty in our call please take action now

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