Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) announced year 2022 state of peace report yesterday in a press statement.
On 21 September 2022, ZimRights launched the 2022 State of Peace Report: A Perpetual State of Insecurity in Zimbabwe.
The report was launched on a day when the world was commemorating International Day of Peace.
ZimRights National Director, Dzikamai Bere commented on the state of peace report by relating it to the human rights manifesto which depicts demands of people which if granted would create a peaceful environment in communities.
This resonates well with the dictates of the UN general assembly declaration of 1984 which states, “Everyone has the right to enjoy peace such that all human rights are promoted and protected, and development is fully realised”, Bere said.
The Report confronts the challenging concept of authoritarian peace.
It goes on to question the genuiness and sustainability of a semblance of peace and security.
Peace and security sustained by civic passivity, political indifference or enforced compliance.
The report highlights that politically motivated violence is on the rise since the period heading towards the August 2023 harmonised elections.
Issues that are affecting peace in communities are reflected in the report.
The report also outlines poverty as a form of structural violence as well as a key point of vulnerability which is often exploited by political elites to manipulate marginalised communities and maintain control over them.
There is high unemployment rate amongst the youths.
The youths are abused and used to incite politically motivated violence.
On the other hand, the politicisation of livelihoods through the controlling of vending space and sheds is reported to be highly significant.
These findings recommend the promotion of an environment which is conducive for civic engagement.
Personal security of citizens has been made to be central as it should be guaranteed and protected together with people’s human rights at all times.