ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) is deeply concerned by the clampdown on civil liberties ahead of public hearings to be held on Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill (No.3) (H.B.1, 2026) scheduled between 30 March 2026 and 2 April 2026.
Since the gazetting of Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill (No.3) (H.B.1, 2026) in February, which seeks to introduce wholesale amendments to the supreme law of the country, ZLHR has noted a disturbing escalation in reprisals against university students, opposition political leaders, their supporters, and members of civil society.. This broad and coordinated clampdown on dissent seemingly targeted at perceived opponents of the proposals to amend the Constitution, has been characterised by intimidation, harassment, disruption and banning of meetings, arrests, detention, prosecution, abductions, assault and torture.
The crackdown, which is escalating in the days leading up to the public hearings constitutes a blatant violation of people’s rights to personal security, freedom of assembly and association and freedom of expression, all enshrined in the Constitution.
The deplorable acts of violence targeted at perceived political opponents are extremely concerning as they threaten Zimbabwe’s democracy and the rule of law. A functioning democracy depends on the respect for the fundamental rights of everyone by all members of society and tolerance towards people who may hold differing political views.
Section 53 of the Constitution guarantees everyone the right to be free from all forms of violence while section 53 of the Constitution enshrines the right to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and section 58 of the Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of assembly and association with freedom of expression enshrined under section 61 of the Constitution.
Furthermore, Section 155 of the Constitution prescribes that electoral processes must be free from violence and the ill-treatment, assault and torture perpetrated against perceived political opponents flout these constitutional principles.
The prosperity of democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe depends upon prevention and intolerance to politically motivated violent acts.
In line with its constitutional obligations, Zimbabwean authorities must create a conducive environment that allows people to debate and express themselves on the pros and cons of Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill (No.3) (H.B.1, 2026) without fear, rather than stifle any form of dissent towards it.
Ahead of the holding of public hearings on Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill (No.3) (H.B.1, 2026), ZLHR calls upon;
- Members of the public to shun all forms of intolerance and political violence and refrain from all violent conduct;
- Government to take concrete measures designed to prevent politically-motivated acts of violence and guarantee the physical and psychological integrity of all citizens.
- Government to guarantee in law and in practice the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly in compliance with the Constitution and regional and international instruments ratified by Zimbabwe particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
- Zimbabwe Republic Police to urgently and effectively investigate acts of violence perpetrated against perceived political opponents and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
ENDS
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
Kodzero/Amalungelo House
No. 103 Sam Nujoma Street, Harare, Zimbabwe
Phone: (+263 8677005347, +263 242 764085/705370/708118
Email: info@zlhr.org
www.zlhr.org.zw
FOLLOW US:@ZLHRLAWYERS ON X| ZIMBABWE LAWYERS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
ON FACEBOOK
