We Pay Our Respects to Mike Campbell
It is with great sadness and sympathy that 1 Million Zimbabwean Voices Limited today took time to reflect on the passing away of one of Zimbabwe’s most well known and respected white farmers.
It is with humble respect that we offer our condolences to the Campbell family, his wife, Angela, their son Bruce, two daughters, Cathy and Laura, and five grandchildren. We hope that you will find comfort in the roll that Mike Campbell filled in our lives, and the pillar of society that he became. Furthermore we would like to say that our thoughts and support are with you at this time of sadness and loss, now and in the future, and we will always remember the man who touched so many of our lives even if we never met him in person. My he rest in peace and rich blessings follow you all.
Mike and Ben and some Workers at Mt Carmel Farm.
Mike Campbell who was 78 at the time of his passing made legal history when he took President Mugabe to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Tribunal in 2007 and won the case a year later.
Mike, who was a much loved member of the Chegutu community in which he lived, never recovered from the abduction and brutal beatings meted out to him, his wife Angela and son-in-law Ben Freeth by Zanu-PF thugs late at night in a remote militia camp on June 29, 2008 just two days after the Presidential run-off election.
They were forced at gunpoint to sign a paper stating that they would withdraw from the SADC Tribunal court case, due to be heard in Namibia the following month. Campbell sustained severe head injuries which resulted in brain damage, broken ribs and damage to his lower limbs caused by a crude and brutal torture method known as falanga.
A dedicated farmer and conservationist, Mike Campbell purchased Mount Carmel farm 1975 and the farm was transferred legally into the family’s company name in 1999 on receipt of a “certificate of no interest” from the Mugabe government.
On Mount Carmel, Mike grew tobacco and maize and built up a substantial cattle herd. Later he developed a significant mango growing enterprise with more than 40,000 trees and secured lucrative export contracts, generating much needed foreign currency.
Described as a model employer, Mike had a large workforce and, with wives and children, the farm sustained more than 500 people. After the farm invasions began in 2001, Mike Campbell, his family, their workers and other farmers in the district became the target of unrelenting state-sponsored violence, intimidation and victimisation.
Mike, along with his son-in-law Ben Freeth, took the Zimbabwe government to court at the SADC Tribunal which delivered a landmark judgement by ordering his Mt Carmel farm, and 77 others, to be returned to former white land owners.
But the victory was only on paper as the Zimbabwe government refused to be bound by the SADC Tribunal’s ruling.
Ministers said Zimbabwe would only submit to the tribunal’s rulings when its constitution had been ratified by at least two-thirds of SADC countries — in line with requirements of the rules and procedures governing the regional trade bloc.
Zimbabwe’s objections forced SADC to suspend the tribunal in August last year. A panel of justice ministers from the region was given six months to “review its role functions and terms of reference”.
Deon Theron, president of the Commercial Farmers’ Union said: “What Mike and his family have achieved for Zimbabwe and the whole of Southern Africa in setting an international precedent in property rights and the rights of white Africans in international law will only be realised by most people in years to come when we have a government that will respect the rule of law and the rights of people.”
Rest in peace Mike.
Our Heart Felit Appreciation
As a non profit organisation it is through donations of this type that we are able to continue our work, supporting vulnerable and desperate Zimbabwean people. Please continue with your generosity and support our work in order that we can continue to grow and become a ray of light at the end of the tunnel for people with no where left to turn. Every little bit helps. Every donation can make the difference in a life. Through us, you are changing the lives and future of people that would otherwise be left without hope. Thank you from 1 Million Zimbabwean Voices, and thank you from the people we work for. You are the difference between a life these people deserve and the life that they face.
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Launch of our “Rights of the Refugee” online petition.
The recent crackdown by the Department of Immigration in the United Kingdom (UKBA) has led to a flood of calls and emails from desperate Zimbabweans who find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place as the system that allows for applications for asylum fails the very people it is designed to protect. We have reason to believe that the Immigration Department have ring fenced large numbers of applications, regardless of their criteria, status or legitimacy, and determined to forcibly fail the applications in order to meet targets set by the new administration in No 10 Downing Street.
Working together with a number of respected legal minds and respected leaders within the Zimbabwean Community in the UK, 1 Million Zimbabwean Voices has recently undertaken to look into the current situation facing the Zimbabwean community in the UK. What we have begun to uncover is a systematic failure of the system meant to protect vulnerable and desperate people, that is very often leading to our country men and women being caught on the wrong side of the law as they struggle to survive.
In recent dialogue with Collins Bunjira a respected Religious Leader and member of a well renowned Zimbabwean family, I was alarmed to discover that even in this day and age, a leading first world nation like the United Kingdom is in clear and critical violation of the European Court of Human Rights HR Act when dealing with submissions that fall under Paragraph 353 of the Immigration Rules when considering section 4 Fresh Claim Submissions. Under extensive research, Mr Bunjira has uncovered clear failures of the system to treat each case with the merit and due consideration it deserves. “It is without doubt that discretion is an essential part of the law, and it is not possible to anticipate every eventuality that may arise, there remains scope to grant Discretionary Leave where individual circumstances, although not meeting any of the other categories, are so compelling that it is considered appropriate to grant some form of leave.”
This extract is from guidance issued by the Home Office its self for use in circumstances where cases are not clear cut, and where humanity and life should clearly override any other consideration laid out by the immigration process. While we accept that not every case warrants this, and in many cases asylum seekers being approached are only too happy to be returning home, we truly believe that there are still legitimate cases of risk to our people who are appealing for the right to seek safe harbour in the United Kingdom.
You only have to read the urgent appeal from Amnesty International in regard to Abel Chikomo the Director of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum to understand that the situation in Zimbabwe warrants closer consideration. The situation in Zimbabwe will not stabilise immediately. The threat to activists, peaceful protesters and supporters of any opposition are still common place in Zimbabwe. The rule of law is still questionable and a very real humanitarian disaster is still looming very near the horizon for the people of Zimbabwe.
Recent press coverage of mass graves uncovered by the Police in Zimbabwe have clouded the issue as it is clearly evident to witnesses of the scene, where hundreds of human skeletal remains were laid out for display to reporters covering the discovery of so called “Colonial Ethnic Cleansing”, only served to throw up more questions than answers. The stench of death and rotting flesh, and the presence of bodies with skin, hair and bodily fluids have caused concern within the International community that the graves are infact more recent. In discussions with reporters based in South Africa, 1 Million Zimbabwean Voices have established that even the clothing that could be seen did not tally up with the claim that the bodies were from over 30 years ago. The presence of Manchester United football shirts from only a few seasons ago and Reebok trainers provided further evidence to discredit the government’s claim.
It is a well known fact that ZANU PF uses ethnic cleansing as part of its mobilisation during election years. Mass detention, torture and disappearances have been documented and covered by the media year after year as the Mugabe regime has clung to power through its ruthless obliteration of any form of challenge by other political parties. Even in the face of defeat, the ZANU PF have clung to power through a sustained campaign of terror and intimidation. It is in these circumstances that we find we are dealing with many cases in the United Kingdom, where Zimbabweans who have stood up to the regime in one way or another find themselves having failed their application process and are seeking a fresh appeal on the basis of almost certain persecution should they be forcibly returned to Zimbabwe.
We are also increasingly seeing many cases where all form of assistance has been withdrawn from applicants, who are not permitted to work in the UK while their status is unresolved, yet are expected to survive on less than £15 a week. In the world of rising costs associated with living in the UK, we ask how it is possible to be able to humanly survive. Further to this we ask “Is it not more practical to allow those people caught in the process of appeal to be allowed to work, be taxed and to have no dependence on benefits until such time as a final decision has been made one way or the other?” Keeping our people on the right side of the law is our main criteria and we fail to see how the continued suppression of the individual while seeking asylum is in any way humane or beneficial to our people.
In summary Mr Bunjira said; “I am particularly alarmed by the punitive measures asylum seekers are made to endure under a functioning democracy. From the evidence, they have been reduced to mere data, a statistic on a clip board, sub brackets in reports. Their cases are not being dealt with on an individual merit, from past dealings to date. I fear that the UKBA continues to ignore considerations to the spectre of destitution and the long term negative effect of the asylum process on the people submitted to its rigors and pressures. Individuals, dependants, families and society itself suffer the impact of a demeaningful and blind system that leaves lives torn apart, lost and alone, a violation of their article 8 Human Rights.
In an effort to see the hardships our people are facing, we have worked to present a document in the form of a petition. This is a petition calling on the UK Government to address the situation facing Zimbabweans caught in the asylum process in the UK. People who are suffering while they are meant to be protected, nurtured and encouraged to grow, learn and prepare themselves in the best possible way for their eventual return home. This petition serves to call on the UK Government to address their clear failures in protecting the Human Rights of vulnerable people and seeks to address the way in which the UK Asylum system is forcing people into destitution, depression and destruction. We ask that all our members support our call by clicking on the link below and signing the petition which will be presented to No 10 Downing Street on a date to be set in the near future.
UK Asylum Appeal Launch
1 Million Zimbabwean Voices is launching an appeal to Zimbabweans from all walks of life in the United Kingdom to please join with us in trying to bring the plight of Zimbabwean Asylum seekers living in the UK, awaiting decisions or being forcibly returned home after failing to attain papers granting them leave to remain, to light.
We have been inundated with appeals for support by Zimbabweans from all walks of life, of all races, colours and creeds, simply seeking the chance to survive free of fear of the reprisals of choosing not to support the ruling ZANU PF Party. These are people who face a very real risk of arrest, detention, torture or worse should they be returned to Zimbabwe.
But it is not our place to choose who is granted asylum and who is not. However it is our place to ensure that each and every individual is treated fairly, with due consideration of their human rights, and with full representation for their case. While legal aid is supplied should an applicant choose, we have uncovered glaring inconsistencies in the level of representation solicitors working through legal aid are giving, and we are also credibly advised that many cases are receiving no ground work through legal aid representation as these solicitors have been advised that Zimbabwean Asylum cases will fail.
1 Million Zimbabwean Voices currently have over fifteen cases where asylum seekers have been convicted of working illegally while awaiting their papers, to those where people are living on the borderline of destitution after their legal representatives have left them high and dry with little hope of a successful outcome to their claim, to people who face imminent deportation as their cases have been wound up without fair or realistic consideration of their claim. In each of these cases, we can clearly see the circumstances facing the individuals we represent, yet are tied to the level of assistance we can offer based on the amount of time and resources we have to offer them.
If you are in a position to assist us with either information, support, legal advice, or something as simple as research on our behalf, then please contact us. We desperately need your help. We are a fully self funded organisation and raise all our own money to continue the work we do, while continuing to hold down regular jobs and study to prepare ourselves to better represent the people who’s cases we take on.
Your time alone can be a worthy contribution to our cause, and for those of you that find yourselves busy working, unable to afford any time, remember, every pound counts, and it does not take much for us to change people’s lives. Please bear us in mind when your next enjoying a meal with those you love. There are people, Zimbabwean people, our people who are in desperate times and need our help, your help.
Thank you.
DONATE NOW AT OUR CHARITY GIVING PAGE
Urgent Appeal for Support for Abel Chikomo
1 Million Zimbabwean Voices has been informed by reliable sources about the judicial harassment faced by Mr. Abel Chikomo, Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum in Zimbabwe (the Forum).
According to the information received, on March 29, 2011, Mr. Abel Chikomo was notified that he shall be reporting at the Law and Order section of Harare police station on the next day, following the visit of three police officers at the Forum offices in Harare.
On March 30, 2011, Mr. Abel Chikomo reported to Harare police station and was formally charged for “managing and controlling the operations of an illegal Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO)”, under Section 6 (3) as read with subsection 1 of the PVO Act. He was allowed to go home on the same day but required to report again on March 31 at the Law and Order section of Harare Central police station, which he did. He was subsequently allowed to go home.
Over the past few months, Mr. Abel Chikomo has been interrogated and asked to report to the police on several occasions. He was interrogated on the activities carried out by the Forum, in particular its Campaign Against Torture, its Transitional Justice National Survey and several press statements issued in 2011 by the organisation on the resurgence of politically motivated violence.
1 Million Zimbabwean Voices is concerned about the ongoing police harassment against Mr. Chikomo and the Forum, and more generally against human rights defenders in Zimbabwe in the run-up to the referendum on the Constitution likely to take place in September 2011 and the parliamentary elections due in November 2011, and calls upon the Zimbabwean authorities to put an end to such acts of intimidation and harassment as they merely seem to aim at sanctioning their human rights activities.
Background information:
On November 11, 2010, Mr. Abel Chikomo was summoned by Bulawayo Law and Order police regarding the Forum’s public campaign against torture. Bulawayo Law and Order police alleged that billboards put up by the Forum and calling on the Government of Zimbabwe to ratify the Convention Against Torture and to outlaw torture were offensive.
On February 9, 2011, two days after the inception by the Forum of a Transitional Justice National Survey, the Machipisa police in Harare detained two researchers from the Forum and questioned them about this survey. They released them only after receiving the assurance that Mr. Chikomo will report the next morning to the Machipisa police station. The next day, Mr. Chikomo was interrogated at the Machipisa police station about the work of the Forum. The police also insisted on the fact that the Forum required police clearance to carry out a survey and an authorisation from the Government of Zimbabwe. After approximately two hours of questioning, the Machipisa police said it was a very serious matter that required the intervention of the Harare Central Law and Order Section. As a consequence, Mr. Chikomo was transferred to the latter and questioned for more than six hours. Detectives from the Harare Central Law and Order Section also visited the Forum offices in the city of Harare on the same day accompanied by Mr. Chikomo. After the visit, he was released without charges but the police insisted they will call him later.
On March 10, 2011, two officers from the Harare Law and Order Section visited the Forum offices and requested to meet Mr. Chikomo who was at the time out of the office. They then asked for the organisation’s registration certificate and number under the Private Voluntary Organisations Act. The two officers instructed that the Executive Director should report in person without fail on March 14, as he had “questions to answer” and needed to provide the certificate of registration.
On March 14, 2011, Mr. Abel Chikomo was again summoned by the Law and Order Section of the Zimbabwe Republic Police at the Harare Central police station. He and his lawyer, Mr. Harrison Nkomo, was interrogated by a police officer on the work carried out by the Forum and its legal status. Mr. Chikomo explained the Forum was a Common Law Universitas, recognised by Section 89 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. He was then informed that the investigating officer in charge was away and had not left the file or any instructions. Mr. Abel Chikomo was then allowed to leave the police station and informed that he will be summoned to appear on a later date. Mr. Chikomo reported on March 15, 2011 in the afternoon and was told that he would be summoned again at a later stage.
Actions requested:
Please write to the authorities of Zimbabwe asking them to:
i. Guarantee in all circumstances the physical and psychological integrity of Mr. Abel Chikomo as well as all members of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum and all human rights defenders in the country;
ii. Put an end to any kind of harassment – including at the judicial level – against Mr. Abel Chikomo, members of the Forum as well as against all human rights defenders in Zimbabwe;
iii. Conform with the provisions of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 9, 1998, and in particular:
- its Article 1, which states that “everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to promote and to strive for the protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the national and international levels”,
- its Article 6 (b) and (c), which states that “everyone has the right, individually and in association with others […] as provided for in human rights and other applicable international instruments, freely to publish, impart or disseminate to others views, information and knowledge on all human rights and fundamental freedoms and [...] to study, discuss, form and hold opinions on the observance, both in law and in practice, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and, through these and other appropriate means, to draw public attention to those matters”,
- and its Article 12.2, which provides that “the State shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred to in the present Declaration”;
iv. More generally, ensure in all circumstances the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and with international and regional human rights instruments ratified by Zimbabwe.
Please click on the following link to take you to the Amnesty International Appeal page for further information and the addresses of where to write.
Thank you.
World Aids Day
Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. The World AIDS Day theme for 2010 is ‘Universal Access and Human Rights’. World AIDS Day is important for reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.
According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.3 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2009 some 2.6 million people became newly infected with the virus and an estimated 1.8 million people died from AIDS.1
The vast majority of people with HIV and AIDS live in lower- and middle-income countries. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world.
The theme for World AIDS Day 2010 is ‘Universal Access and Human Rights’. Global leaders have pledged to work towards universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, prevention and care, recognising these as fundamental human rights. Valuable progress has been made in increasing access to HIV and AIDS services, yet greater commitment is needed around the world if the goal of universal access is to be achieved. Millions of people continue to be infected with HIV every year. In low- and middle-income countries, less than half of those in need of antiretroviral therapy are receiving it, and too many do not have access to adequate care services.2
The protection of human rights is fundamental to combating the global HIV and AIDS epidemic. Violations against human rights fuel the spread of HIV, putting marginalised groups, such as injecting drug users and sex workers, at a higher risk of HIV infection. By promoting individual human rights, new infections can be prevented and people who have HIV can live free from discrimination.
World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us – individuals, communities and political leaders – to take action and ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care are met.
At 1 Million Zimbabwean Voices we have been working with Avert, an International Organisation that work to raise money and awareness about the risks of AIDS to communities around the world. Their efforts are not just aimed at prevention but the important work of supporting those that are suffering with HIV and AIDS and have difficulty accessing medical treatment, treatment that should be provided as a fundamental human right, and thus at the core of our work at 1 Million Zimbabwean Voices.
AVERT has AIDS projects in the parts of the world most severely affected by HIV and AIDS. Many of the people affected by HIV/AIDS in these areas are also dealing with other challenges such as extreme poverty, stigma and lack of healthcare. Our work tackles a range of issues such as education, treatment and care. The projects also aim to help the children orphaned or otherwise affected by HIV and AIDS.
There are LOADS of different ways you can support our projects by fundraising for AVERT. Here are just a few ideas:
Sponsored events – Walking, running, sponsored silence, reading or, if you fancy something more high octane, how about a sky dive or a bungee jump?
Organise an event – Office fun day, jumble sale, cake sale, coffee morning, football tournament, concert, poetry night or dance.
Other ideas – Kick a bad habit (e.g. smoking), give up something you love for a month (e.g. TV, chocolate or alcohol!), shave your head, organise a car wash, pub quiz, or auction of people’s time and skills.
These are just a few suggestions but you can let your imagination run wild to think of other ideas!
To read more information on raising money for AVERT, find sponsorship forms or make a donation, please go to our fundraising page. You can also see how your money will help by looking at our international HIV/AIDS projects. Your support of these projects is critical to the success and future of our efforts in Africa and Zimbabwe in specific. Please take the time to visit and read about how you can do more to change the lives of the people that we work to support. Your efforts, generocity and support are the answer to many prayers and enable us to continue with our work in support of our people and organisations like Avert. Thank you.
The Zimbabwe Asylum Situation needs a serious Reality Check!
British authorities under pressure to sort out a desperate asylum system in the UK really need to open their eyes to the Zimbabwean situation. While admittedly in the last twelve months progress has been made through the co-operation of the GPA Unity Government of Zimbabwe. However the political situation is far from viable for anyone who rallies as opposition to the ruling party in Zimbabwe, and there is little to look forward too if being forcibly returned to Zimbabwe at this time.
With in excess of 300 Zimbabwean citizens escaping into South Africa on a daily basis, it is impossible to understand how the British Foreign Office can propose to asylum seekers in the UK that it is now safe to return to Zimbabwe, and there is no grounds for asylum seekers to remain in the UK. We are contacted daily here at 1 Million Zimbabwean Voice by people who are petrified at being returned home.
In a case of forced return recently, Roselyn Mujaranji attempted to take her own life when the British Boarder Agency arrested and detained her saying she has no grounds to remain in the UK. Having been detained at the Yarl’s Wood detention centre, Roselyn called her representative at the Norwich Justice and Peace Group who’s been campaigning for her leave to remain to say she’d just taken an overdose of pain killers. She was rushed to Bedford hospital where she remains unable to return to the detention centre.
Roselyn fled Zimbabwe when her family were rounded up and tortured by supporters of the ZANU PF ruling party, which resulted in the death of her mother. Acts of these are common place in Zimbabwe, a place where the rule of law and human rights are subject to which side of the political divide you fall on. Just this week, Job Sikhala, the leader of the recent breakaway MDC-99 was arrested and detained until it was determined he’d be charged with insulting Robert Mugabe at a meeting and being found in possession of weapons of war, charges that are familiar to any leader of an opposition party.
There is a massive move in opinion and membership towards MDC-99 which is of major concern to the ZANU PF regime who are currently looking at facing a general election within the next two to three years. Speculation reigns supreme in Zimbabwe that an election will be called next year although this is unclear as a program of reform stagnates under continual sticking points between the ZANU PF and MDC-M and MDC-T factions.
However this has not stopped a roll out of the Green Bombers youth brigade notorious in Zimbabwe for carrying out acts of violence in the name of ZANU PF against anyone believed to be an opposition supporter. We have had a number of members of the opposition parties that fled Zimbabwe in the last ten years expressing their concern at the latest British stance on repatriation to Zimbabwe for asylum seekers in Zimbabwe. With some having received emailed threats regarding returning to Zimbabwe, and others fearful of their safety when they are returned, we seriously ask ourselves if the current stance on British asylum towards Zimbabweans is based on reality or wonder if it is infact the cowards way out of dealing with an issue that was a hot potato in the recent British general election campaign.
With the GPA agreement falling apart in Zimbabwe, and a nation heavily dependent on food aid, with little hope in terms of education, health or employment how can the British Government seriously make the claim that there is no reason for Zimbabweans to remain here in the UK. It is infact in case that for many Zimbabwean’s allowed to work here in the UK, that the funds they send home religiously each month that support family back home. Break that chain and the effect on Zimbabwean families will be far more reaching than just deporting a few people back home.
1 Million Zimbabwean Voices campaigns for the rights of Zimbabwean Refugee’s worldwide, and find that the current situation is critical and in desperate need of re-examination of the facts on a realistic basis. We will continue to campaign for the cases brought to our attention, and on a wider scale for the rights of Zimbabwean refugees who are very often forgotten about and swept under the carpet in convenience.
The fight for Zimbabwe and the freedoms and environment we take for granted in the free world continues. Every day new cases come to our notice and we undertake to represent as many cases as we can to campaign on behalf of those less fortunate than ourselves. We are not alone in this fight, there are people out there that care, and we actively encourage Zimbabwean’s of all walks of life that feel isolated and alone to reach out and seek support. 1 Million Zimbabwean Voices will continue to do all it can for Zimbabweans everywhere. Join the wave, help us change people’s lives, and support the fight for change in Zimbabwe.
The Norwich Evening News Story.
2010 Update International Targeted Sanction List
The International Community have issued updated targeted sanctions against President Robert Mugabe, Zanu PF officials and companies linked to the party. The updated list has been issued after taking into account positions allocated last year, and the death of certain officials once named on the list.
The emotive sanctions issue has become a contentious matter in Harare and in Western capitals as Mugabe and his cronies step up their campaign to be removed from the restrictive measures which have left them squirming in isolation.
Although Mugabe and his officials initially claimed the sanctions were useless and ineffective, they now say the measures sabotaged the economy.
The sanctions debate is causing ructions among major stakeholders, including the EU, United States, Zanu PF and the MDC-T.
Sources in the MDC-T said the party was not resolute on the sanctions issue despite a strong lobby emerging in the party imploring the West to lift sanctions on business entities which were added to the sanctions list in the last two years.
A group in the party does not however oppose the continuance of sanctions against President Robert Mugabe, his lieutenants and companies they operate. Another group in the party wants the sanctions to remain on the grounds that they are the only lever to ensure reform in Zanu PF.
This week the Zanu PF politburo announced that it would not make concessions in the talks with the MDC unless sanctions were lifted.
The sources said Tendai Biti, who is in the US to lobby the International Monetary Fund to restore Zimbabwe’s voting rights, was expected to plead on the sidelines for Washington to lift the sanctions on companies which were placed on the list last year.
The sources said Biti believed that the lifting of sanctions on the companies was critical to his grand project of economic revival. However, there is strong opposition to this plan by MDC officials who feel that there should not be a revision of the sanctions regime. The officials instead want the sanctions tightened.
“The feeling is that such a move (lifting sanctions on companies) would be seen by Zanu PF as relenting,” an MDC official said.
The companies which Biti wants removed from the sanctions list include ZB Bank, Agribank, Infrastructure Bank of Zimbabwe, Zimre Holdings, Industrial Development Corporation, Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company.
Draft Migration Management & Diaspora Policy of Zimbabwe
Click Here
After a recent surge of pressure on the Zimbabwean Government to pay attention to its commitment to addressing the rights of its Citizens residing outside of its borders, including the well supported Voting Right Petition undertaken by 1 Million Zimbabwean Voices, we have been passed a draft policy released by the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe based on its proposed Migration Management and Diaspora Policy.
Firstly we welcome the move by the inclusive government of Zimbabwe to take heed of the people’s voice Internationally and release this draft for due consideration. Secondly we would like to encourage the men and woman who’s duty it falls at the feet of to ensure that due diligence and genuine consideration is given to the input that arises out of this consultation in order to ensure that the bill on completion is well balanced and supported by the people it is said to represent.
Progress of this kind cannot be ignored, and we believe that even though at times we may not all agree on the exact terms of an agreement, nor may we approve of the manner in which the progress has been made, but we do appreciate that in order for true and meaningful progress to be achieved we must all meet at the table to air our opinion. In this light, we are making available to our membership and anyone that has interest enough to read the draft proposal through the link at the top of this article.
Members will find that we have made a facility for meaningful and constructive debate on our forum where we can see the feelings of those around us and feel included in the process of the construction and implementation of this bill. The Migration Management and Diaspora Policy will have extensive impact on the lives of Zimbabweans all over the world and it is important to enter into the democratic process of debate and contribution in this process. This is your chance to voice your opinion.
We at 1 Million Zimbabwean Voices strongly believe that the fundamental right of freedom of speech in such matters only strengthens the process of diplomacy and democracy. Zimbabwe is a changing and growing nation and it needs its people to be mature and dedicated to constructive dialogue in order to achieve our maximum potential. In this light we encourage all of you to read through the document and contribute your thoughts through the month of June 2010. At the end of this time we will review the input and reflect on the process to date.
1 Million Zimbabwean Voices is proud to stand for the rights of the people of Zimbabwe. This is your right to voice your thoughts, and we want you to take part. Today we are laying the bricks for a better, stronger, unified and dignified Zimbabwe, where people live as we always have, side by side, enjoying the chance to be all we can be. The fight continues, and together we are 1 Million Zimbabwean Voices.
Non Resident Zimbabweans Continue to Apply Pressure
The Government of National Unity has made various efforts and initiatives in engaging the Non-Resident-Zimbabweans (NRZ) in trying to revive the Economy and rebuild the Country. The various efforts need to be properly co-ordinated as part of official Government policy.
Currently it appears the various initiatives are trial and error ad hoc measures which lack formal recognition in Government structures as reflected in various ministries. As a starting point the GNU should have created a Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. The individual so appointed as Minister of Diaspora Affairs would then co-ordinate Government policy with outsiders such as Non Governmental Organizations, foreign Governments and other relevant stakeholders.
There is general need to move from being a talk show and sloganeering to actual implementation which will convince NRZ that indeed the Government is committed to assist Zimbabweans who may want to return to do so. And also assist those who may not wish to.
The creation of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs is an important step for several reasons. Firstly it will provide a central focused structure and systematic treatment of Diaspora issues The are various regulatory and legal issues which need to be pushed through parliament regarding the NRZ through the Minister of Diaspora Affairs .There are certain issues which are unique and specific to the NRZ and these have to be handled at a Ministriel level and not as a side after thought matter.
It is widely reported that more than 4 million Zimbabweans are now based in South Africa, Botswana, UK, NZ, Australia, USA ,Canada and other countries. This is such a huge section of the population that its issues and needs can not be represented on a part time basis but rather at the highest level possible including Parliament and Cabinet.
As a starting point the Minister for Diaspora Affairs may be a junior Minister of state. This will cut on costs but allow effective policy formulation and efficient execution of Government policy.
Parliamentary seats reserved for Diaspora representatives and nominees is an additional enhancement measure to ensure that Zimbabwe does not lose the NRZ to the countries where they are now based. As indicated above there is need to ensure that the NRZ are not represented in a manner that does not fully acknowledge that Zimbabwe’s Economic revival is partly dependent on the NRZ input.
The on going new constitutional reform process must acknowledge the NRZ by allocating 10 or so Parliamentary seats for all the major global geographical areas such that Europe, Botswana, South Africa, USA, Canada etc will each elect an NRZ to represent those in the Diaspora. This inclusive process will ensure that Zimbabwe will in the long term continue to benefit from those who left and may not return to resettle in the Country.
Zimbabwe Embassies must be re-geared to serve Diaspora in as much as it they strive to attract foreign tourists. If harnessed properly with at least 4 million NRZ the Diaspora can single handedly revive Zimbabwe’s tourist sector. The statistics of the number of Zimbabweans out side remains guesswork and this is unfortunate because in terms of planning and policy formulation accurate numbers are needed. A census maybe necessary especially on the number of trained professionals and their specific field. This will assist in assessing how the skills and execution gap can be closed.
This article appears as courtesy of GMRI Capital ( http://www.gmricapital.com ) prepared for 3MG MEDIA
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Rights of the Refugee Petition
Voting Rights Petition
Amnesty International Petition
Approved Partners
African Food Shop
