Jane Mlambo| Civil society organisations under the banner of Human Rights NGO Forum have warned the government against criminalising the work of civil society and human rights defenders amid reports that civic leaders across the country have reported an increase in surveillance, office visits and interruption of their meetings by the state.

According to NGO Forum chairperson Jestina Mukoko, surveillance by the state on civil society organisations has affected their ability to implement their programmes which are meant to address challenges affecting communities.

“Civil society organisations are simply people organising themselves to find solutions to problems affecting their communities, they are not enemies but partners for development,” said Mukoko.

She further urged government to refrain from attacking the dignity of human rights defenders and violating their privacy.

“Stop the crackdown on civil society and human rights defenders,” added Mukoko.