21st November 2021

On Saturday the 20thof November 2021 the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe held a meeting on zoom. The meeting was chaired by Nicolate Gwati. It started at 14:00 hrs.

Register of attendance

Nicolate Gwati, Laina Murape, Shamiso Bhobho, Marian Mangani, Emma Josaya, Blessing Goronga, Olivia Chamboko, Primrose Kavinga, Abygail Makope, Lorraine Zakeyo, Lilian Nleya

Agenda

  • Welfare check-up on the members
  • Update on current human rights violations in Zimbabwe
  • Activism and participation of members
  • Finance update
  • Any other business

Welfare Check-up on members

The meeting reviewed the existing check up arrangement and confirmed their effectiveness. The meeting confirmed that all members are reported to be well.

Update on current human rights violations in Zimbabwe

  • Mary Chiwenga – the courts keep remanding her in prison despite being very unwell. She has also not seen her children in over two years. She is being deprived of her rights to justice and it appears as if the judicial system is now being used as a weapon against her at the behest of Vice President Chiwenga
  • Makomborero Haruzivishe is still in prison and was in court this week for his appeal case to be heard

Activism and participation of members

The meeting reviewed the level of participation in ROHR activities and initiatives by members of the branch and found it to be satisfactory with room for improvement. The meeting agreed on steps to be taken to stimulate activism further.

Finance update

The meeting did not receive finance updates as the Treasurer could not attend the meeting due to unforeseen changes to their routine at short notice on this particular day.

Any other business

What could be a solution to the Zimbabwe situation?

  1. We need a movement that everyone will be a part of instead of having individuals speaking out against government misdeeds as this allows for victimisation of individuals. With a movement it will be harder for the government to target individuals
  2. We need to have an independent army that is not affiliated to any political party
  3. The opposition party needs to be more robust
  4. The courts need to be independent

Campaign to highlight Mary Chiwenga’s situation

The meeting resolved to write a letter of support to her that will be posted on twitter and tag her. Another copy would be addressed to her lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, who can pass it onto Mary as she is currently remanded at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.

The meeting also agreed to petition on Mary’s behalf and also ask other women organisations to petition on behalf of Mary.

The meeting also resolved to write another letter to the government of Zimbabwe that highlights the injustice that is happening to Mary.

All agenda items and any other business having been exhausted, Nicolate Gwati  thanked everyone for attending and declared the meeting closed at 15:30 hrs.

By: Information & Publicity Department