Farai Dziva|Two prominent human rights activists have challenged the government to stop, with immediate effect, harassment of civilians and partisan distribution of Coronavirus Relief Aid.

In a joint statement, the two human rights defenders, Blessing Matasva and
Tatenda Maposa, expressed concern at the persecution of citizens by security forces.

The two also condemned the politicisation of aid.

Read full statement below:

The government of Zimbabwe joining the rest of the world in fighting covid-19, introduced prevention measures to curb the spread of this pandemic.

While the lockdown is a very good measure, as human rights activists we feel the government is not prepared enough for this initiative, given the current status of our economy which is 90% informal.

The majority of citizens in Zimbabwe, particulary in Masvingo Province survive on informal trading (hand to mouth).

This shutdown has exempted essential service provision- such as grocery shops, a welcome move, given our economic status.

Since the start of the lockdown on the 30th of March, we have witnessed numerous human rights abuses.

Police brutality has been the song on ordinary citizens.

We urge the government to respect human rights and they should have a robust disaster preparedness plan for such incidents.

It is also disheartening to note that some Members of Parliament and District Administrators in the province are politicizing Covid-19 rapid response food distribution programmes.

Mealie meal is being distributed on political basis.

As human rights defenders we castigate such mischievous behaviour from some politicians who are seeking to gain political mileage during such a time.

Food items must be fairly distributed regardless of one’s political affiliation, age, race, creed, disability or gender.

Now that the lockdown has been extended, we implore the government to respect citizens’ rights at all levels.

We strongly feel citizens should not be denied access to medication, food – among other basic needs.