Obert Hodzi. February Pre- and post-independent Zimbabwe has been marred by extreme political violence and
|
|
- Magnus Atkins
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 SEXUAL VIOLENCE AS POLITICAL STRATEGY IN ZIMBABWE: TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE BLIND SPOT? Obert Hodzi February 2012 Introduction Pre- and post-independent Zimbabwe has been marred by extreme political violence and gross human rights violations. Examples abound: the Chimoio and Nyadzonya massacres in the 1970s, the Gukurahundi massacres of the early 1980s, and since 2000, the unprecedented political violence that characterized elections. While these have been widely reported, the use of sexual violence as a political strategy has often been neglected. In the post-independence era, particularly after 2000, it has grown more widespread and systematic. Yet at all stages of political transition, state-enforced amnesia, reconciliation, and forgive and forget rhetoric is employed. Article VII of the 2008 Global Political Agreement established The Organ for National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration (ONHRI) to advise the State on addressing past injustices and human rights abuse. The ONHRI paid little or no regard to the gender dimensions of political violence. Without a clear gender policy on transitional justice, impunity reigns, victims have no recourse and sexual violence remains a political strategy. As Zimbabwe draws closer to yet another election, this paper examines the use of sexual violence as a political strategy in past elections. The transitional justice discourse in Zimbabwe, I argue, has been defined narrowly and unwittingly focuses on civil and political 1
2 rights abuses; thus failing to capture the subtle dimensions of structural inequalities suffered by women. Accordingly, without a known gender policy in the ONHRI, politically motivated sexual violence remains at the fringes of transitional justice mechanisms in Zimbabwe. Sexual Violence as Political Strategy Broadly defined, sexual violence includes acts of a sexual nature committed on a person under coercive circumstances and may include acts that do not involve physical contact or penetration. 1 The Rome Statute has further defined rape as a crime against humanity, 2 which is excluded from amnesty provisions. Although Zimbabwe is a non-member, the ICC description of rape as jus cogens places a stern responsibility on any State to judicially deal with matters of widespread and systematic use of sexual violence as a crime against humanity. Worrisomely, current Zimbabwean laws, simply address random acts of sexual violence perpetrated by an individual against another without regard to centrally organized, widespread and systematic acts. The laws, therefore, do not reflect the scale and monumentality of rape when committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against civilians. 3 Furthermore, the laws fail to integrate the principle of command responsibility, which would enable the prosecution of organizers and sponsors of organized sexual violence. Faced with general mass discontent, socio-political opposition and heightened prospects of losing the 2008 general election, the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) used sexual violence to re-establish political dominance. Being a highly conservative society that deeply holds social mores about women s honour and sexual purity, sexual violence was seen to be effective in spreading fear and terror among Zimbabweans, dissuading thousands of potential voters from joining the Movement for Democratic Change 1 Prosecutor V. Akayesu, Case No. ICTR-96-4-T, Judgment, 580 (Sept. 2, 1998). 2 Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (1998) Article 7 (g): Accessed at: 3 Aids-Free World (2009): Electing To Rape. Sexual Terror in Mugabe s Zimbabwe: New York: Aids-Free World, pp. 34 2
3 (MDC). As bearers and protectors of a community s culture and future generations, women were targeted in ways directly linked to their gender and sexual identity. 4 In breach of United Nations Resolution 1820 that recognized rape as a weapon of war and a threat to international security [ used] to humiliate, instil fear in, disperse and/or forcibly relocate civilian members of a community or ethnic group, 5 sexual violence became a means, not only to undermine the strength and support of other political parties, but also to demoralize and vanquish whole communities perceived to be anti-zanu-pf. In 2008 the primary victims of sexual violence carried out by youth gangs, war veterans, state security agents and supporters of the ZANU-PF were perceived MDC-T supporters. A Solidarity Peace Trust report revealed that ZANU-PF youth committed 83 per cent of crimes while state agents- the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and members of the Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) committed 18 per cent. 6 The use of state security agents to commit sexual violence against civilians suggests a centrally organized campaign rather than spontaneous and random acts. In almost all cases, the sexual violence was nearly fatal 7 : victims were beaten, tortured and then raped in the presence of their families and whole communities. This pattern was repeated in almost all provinces of the country reinforcing suspicion that it was centrally organized. 8 Similarities in the methods used to torture and subsequently rape victims appear to be systematic and well-orchestrated. The salient resemblance in the perpetrators and victims, as well as the uniformity of the insults and reasons for their rape suggest that it was neither 4 Leiby, L. Michele (2009): Wartime Sexual Violence in Guatemala and Peru. In: International Studies Quarterly: Vol. 53, pp Research and Advocacy Unit (2011): Forced Concubinage in Zimbabwe. Harare: Research and Advocacy Unit, pp. 5 6 Reeler, Tony (2008): Subliminal Terror: Human Rights Violations And Torture In Zimbabwe Braamfontein: Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, pp Aids-Free World (2009): Electing To Rape. Sexual Terror in Mugabe s Zimbabwe: New York: Aids-Free World, pp Aids-Free World (2009): Electing To Rape. Sexual Terror in Mugabe s Zimbabwe: New York: Aids-Free World, pp. 17 3
4 spontaneous nor coincidental. Furthermore, refusal by the police to investigate reported cases of sexual violence indicated a state-sanctioned, albeit unofficial campaign. However, specific figures of the number of incidences of sexual violence in 2008 remain elusive. Most cases were not reported for fear of reprisals, stigmatization and police refusal to investigate complaints against ZANU-PF officials, supporters and state agents. Within international legal institutions, the use of sexual violence for purposes of political expedience constitutes a crime against humanity. Yet it has been discarded as a women s issue that requires no special priority in the transitional justice discourse of Zimbabwe. With the ZRP and the Attorney General refusing to investigate and prosecute politically-motivated cases of sexual violence, victims are left without options for justice while perpetrators continue with impunity. The ONHRI has also failed to mainstream gender in its programs and insisted on focusing on violations other than sexual violence. This position disregards the gendered dimensions of sexual violence as well as its role in driving poverty, social rejection, health and other psychological problems. As a consequence, politically motivated sexual violence is marginalized in Zimbabwean transitional justice processes. As such, the ONHRI has been dismissed as a largely symbolic entity without a gender oriented statutory mandate or a gender policy. Two years after its establishment, it remains hinged on reconciliation and national healing without establishing accountability. The Organ for National Healing and Reconciliation: Toothless? The ONHRI is a result of protracted political negotiations that led to the signing of the GPA. The United Nations Security Council calls for the inclusion of women in peace processes 9, peace agreement implementation and for peace negotiations to address sexual violence. 10 With the exception of Priscilla Misihairambwi-Mushonga who participated in the entire 9 The United Nations Security Council Resolution The United Nations Security Council Resolution
5 negotiating process leading to the GPA, no other female was visible. Consequently, implementation of the GPA and subsequent transitional justice mechanisms disregarded gender dimensions of political violence. There was, therefore, a lack of justice for genderbased violence and a failure to examine how gender inequalities underpin many incidences of Zimbabwean violence. Although the mere inclusion of women in peace negotiations may not automatically guarantee gender-sensitive transitional justice frameworks, their absence indicates total disregard of gender-sensitivity when negotiating political transition and reflects the deep-seated masculinization of Zimbabwean politics and justice. The phrase politics is a dirty game is not only a description of the nature of Zimbabwean political conduct - it denotes a masculinized field. Coupled with a conservative patriarchal society, women in Zimbabwe are usually confined to the political shadows until discovered through piecemeal affirmative action policies. Over the past three decades ZANU- PF s violent suppression of opposition politics has shaped the gender composition of Zimbabwe s opposition politics, activism and human rights advocacy. Resultantly most visible perpetrators and victims of gross civil and political rights violations are predominantly male. As such, politics in Zimbabwe is de facto a male-dominated field that constricts transitional justice understanding by disregarding its gendered dimensions. The effect is that the politics of Zimbabwe and resultant transitional justice processes fail to mainstream gender from policy formulation to implementation. Furthermore, the ONHRI has no known gender policy towards transitional justice in the country. The outreach it undertook in local communities failed to mainstream gendered political violence. Victims of sexual violence were largely ignored, as was the case with Ghana s National Reconciliation Commission where gender based abuses were subsumed among broader human rights violations The lack of focused attention on women rendered gender-based 5
6 violence largely invisible within the process. 11 As a result, neglect of gendered patterns of politically motivated sexual violence has entrenched impunity, distorted truth finding outcomes and undermined the legitimacy of transitional justice initiatives proffered by the ONHRI. Conclusion The transitional justice framework being pursued in Zimbabwe is oblivious of the gendered dimensions of political violence. As argued above, the intention of politicians has largely been to maintain peace and socio-political stability without concern for prevailing impunity and lack of accountability. Zimbabwe has failed, therefore, to acknowledge that the administration of justice as well as social integration and rehabilitation constitute the two pillars of transitional justice management. 12 The overarching effect of ONHRI failure to formulate and implement a credible gender policy that addresses political use of sexual violence will inevitably lead to private vengeance fuelled by widespread discontent driving further oppression, social unrest and instability. Accordingly, within the ambit of transitional justice administration, accountability and social integration are imperative to building sustainable peace and development in Zimbabwe. Yet, were the political use of sexual violence draws on a patriarchal approach to the role of women in the Zimbabwean society; the country s transitional justice focus should not just be on dealing with the civil and political dimensions of women s rights violations, but should also address economic, social, and cultural dimensions of human rights violations, especially those of women whose experiences are too often under-reported. 11 Scanlon, H & Muddell, K (2009): Gender and Transitional Justice in Africa: Progress and Prospects. In: African Journal on Conflict Resolution: Vol. 9:2, pp Hong, Seong-Phil (2010): Transitional Justice in North Korea: Accountability for Human Rights Atrocities. 1st Annual Conference of the CSIS-USC Korea Project August 20-21, 2010: University Of Southern California: Korean Studies Institute 6
7 Obert Hodzi is the Program Officer Governance at the Humanist Institute for Development Cooperation (HIVOS) in Zimbabwe. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree from the University of Zimbabwe, a Masters in International Studies from Stellenbosch University, South Africa and a Masters in Democratic Governance and Civil Society from the University of Osnabrueck, Germany. He is a legal practitioner registered with the High Court of Zimbabwe. 7
Security Council. United Nations S/RES/1888 (2009)* Resolution 1888 (2009) Adopted by the Security Council at its 6195th meeting, on 30 September 2009
United Nations S/RES/1888 (2009)* Security Council Distr.: General 30 September 2009 Resolution 1888 (2009) Adopted by the Security Council at its 6195th meeting, on 30 September 2009 The Security Council,
More informationJanuary 2009 country summary Zimbabwe
January 2009 country summary Zimbabwe The brutal response of President Robert Mugabe and the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) to their loss in general elections in March
More informationNational Constitutional Assembly
National Constitutional Assembly Fighting for a New Constitution: Human Rights Violations experienced by Female Members of the National Constitutional Assembly. Report prepared by: Research and Advocacy
More informationadvocacy and lobbying for policy change in zimbabwe: women s lobbying for a gender-sensitive Constitution
advocacy and lobbying for policy change in zimbabwe: women s lobbying for a gender-sensitive Constitution Netsai Mushonga summary this article describes a lobbying campaign by women in zimbabwe to ensure
More information분쟁과대테러과정에서의인권보호. The Seoul Declaration
분쟁과대테러과정에서의인권보호 Upholding Human Rights during Conflict and while Countering Terrorism" The Seoul Declaration The Seventh International Conference for National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection
More informationamnesty international
Public amnesty international ZIMBABWE Appeal to the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, Coolum, Australia, 2-5 March 2002 1 March 2002 AI INDEX: AFR 46/013/2002 Amnesty International expresses its
More informationEN 32IC/15/19.3 Original: English
EN 32IC/15/19.3 Original: English 32nd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT Geneva, Switzerland 8-10 December 2015 Sexual and gender-based violence: joint action on prevention and
More informationToward the Right to Heal: Human Rights at Stake for Injured Soldiers
Toward the Right to Heal: Human Rights at Stake for Injured Soldiers All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights... Everyone is entitled to all rights and freedoms set forth in this
More informationZimbabwe. Political Violence JANUARY 2012
JANUARY 2012 COUNTRY SUMMARY Zimbabwe Zimbabwe s inclusive government has made significant progress in improving the country s economic situation and reversing the decline of the past decade. For example,
More informationZIMBABWE ELECTION SUPPORT NETWORK BALLOT UPDATE
ZIMBABWE ELECTION SUPPORT NETWORK BALLOT UPDATE Issue No 14: August, 2010 INTRODUCTION The month of August saw the unfolding of a number of political developments in Zimbabwe. The SADC Summit in Namibia,
More informationPanel Statement for held on 7 and 8 December, 2011 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
for held on 7 and 8 December, 2011 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia On 7 and 8 December 2011, the Cambodian Defenders Project (CDP) convened the Women s Hearing: True Voices of Women during the Khmer Rouge regime
More informationNATIONAL INTEGRATION
NATIONAL INTEGRATION Celebrating our unity in diversity Zimbabwe is a nation that is made up of many different tribal and ethnic groups. Our people speak at least twelve languages and originate from many
More informationPost-Elections Report Post-election: 31 July 19 August, 2018 (20 days post elections) Report Date: 21 August, 2018
Post-Elections Report Post-election: 31 July 19 August, 2018 (20 days post elections) Report Date: 21 August, 2018 Introduction We the People of Zimbabwe believe that all citizens of Zimbabwe have the
More informationTransitional Justice National Survey. A Report on the People s Perceptions and Recommendations
Transitional Justice National Survey A Report on the People s Perceptions and Recommendations 2011. Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum Published by The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum P.O. Box 9077, Harare
More informationBenchmarks for Re-engagement by the international community.
Benchmarks for Re-engagement by the international community. 11 February 2009 With the decision by MDC-T to enter the unity government has come an immediate call (for example by the AU) for the lifting
More informationSuggestions for establishing the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC). Research & Advocacy Unit (RAU)
Suggestions for establishing the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC). Research & Advocacy Unit (RAU) May 2015 1 Contents Introduction... 3 The Constitution... 4 The Zimbabwe Human Rights
More information. -ZIMBABWE CONGRESS OF TRADE UNIONS (ZCTU)
. -ZIMBABWE CONGRESS OF TRADE UNIONS (ZCTU) All correspondence should be addressed to the Secretary General Email:info@zctu.co.zw Fax: (263) - 4-728484 Tel: 793093/794742/794702 Ref: Chester House 88 Speke
More informationOrganised Violence & Torture Report FEBRUARY By the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum
Organised Violence & Torture Report FEBRUARY 2017 By the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum 1 ACRONYMS CBD CIO GALZ MDC-T NAVUZ NCA OVT UYO ZANU PF ZimPF ZRP Central Business District Central Intelligence
More informationWitness Interference in Cases before the International Criminal Court
Open Society Justice Initiative BRIEFING PAPER Witness Interference in Cases before the International Criminal Court The Open Society Justice Initiative has conducted a comprehensive survey of publicly
More informationPolitical Instability in Zimbabwe: Planning for Succession Contingencies
Political Instability in Zimbabwe: Planning for Succession Contingencies George F. Ward, Jr. Political instability and potential violence are ever-present threats in Zimbabwe. The country s nonagenarian
More informationFostering Equality in Representation
Research & Advocacy Unit (RAU) 7, Sudbury Avenue, Monavale, Harare, Zimbabwe Email: admin@rau.co.zw Phone: +263 (4) 302 764 Mobile: +263 772 353 975 URL: www.researchandadvocacyunit.org Policy Brief No.2/18
More informationConcluding observations of the Committee against Torture
United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Distr.: General 29 June 2012 Original: English Committee against Torture Forty-eighth session 7 May
More informationFifty-Ninth Session of the Commission on the Status of Women UNHQ, New York, 9-20 March 2015
Fifty-Ninth Session of the Commission on the Status of Women UNHQ, New York, 9-20 March 2015 Concept Note for Side Event: High-Level Interactive Dialogue Towards a Continental Results Framework on Women
More informationConvention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
United Nations CEDAW/C/JOR/CO/4 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women Distr.: General 10 August 2007 Original: English Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination
More informationEnding Zimbabwe s Conflict: Finding synergy in human rights and conflict resolution approaches
Ending Zimbabwe s Conflict: Finding synergy in human rights and conflict resolution approaches Remarks of Archi Pyati, Senior Associate, Human Rights Defenders Program, Human Rights First, to the Center
More informationMEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE ZIMBABWE AFRICAN NATIONAL UNION (PATRIOTIC FRONT) AND THE TWO MOVEMENT FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE FORMATIONS
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE ZIMBABWE AFRICAN NATIONAL UNION (PATRIOTIC FRONT) AND THE TWO MOVEMENT FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE FORMATIONS PREAMBLE We the Parties to this Memorandum of Understanding;
More informationFACT SHEET STOPPING THE USE OF RAPE AS A TACTIC OF
June 2014 FACT SHEET STOPPING THE USE OF RAPE AS A TACTIC OF WAR: A NEW APPROACH There is a global consensus that the mass rape of girls and women is routinely used as a tactic or weapon of war in contemporary
More informationZimbabwe. Amnesty International submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review 12 th session of the UPR Working Group, October 2011
Zimbabwe Amnesty International submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review 12 th session of the UPR Working Group, October 2011 B. Normative and institutional framework of the State The Constitution
More informationZimbabwe. Freedom of Assembly
January 2008 country summary Zimbabwe In 2007, Zimbabwe descended further into political and economic chaos as President Robert Mugabe s Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU- PF) intensified
More informationHuman Rights Watch UPR Submission. Liberia April I. Summary
Human Rights Watch UPR Submission Liberia April 2010 I. Summary Since the end of its 14-year conflict in 2003, Liberia has made tangible progress in addressing endemic corruption, creating the legislative
More informationSeptember 25, Excellency. Juan Manuel Santos Calderón President Republic of Colombia. Dear Mr. President:
P.O. Box 780 Notre Dame, Indiana 46556 tel (574) 631-6627 fax (574) 631-3980 email ndlaw@nd.edu September 25, 2015 Excellency Juan Manuel Santos Calderón President Republic of Colombia Dear Mr. President:
More informationAfghanistan Human rights challenges facing Afghanistan s National and Provincial Assemblies an open letter to candidates
Afghanistan Human rights challenges facing Afghanistan s National and Provincial Assemblies an open letter to candidates Afghanistan is at a critical juncture in its development as the Afghan people prepare
More informationof Amnesty International's Concerns Since 1983
PERU @Summary of Amnesty International's Concerns Since 1983 Since January 1983 Amnesty International has obtained information, including detailed reports and testimonies, of widespread "disappearances",
More informationZimbabwe Election Support Network
Zimbabwe Election Support Network Long Term Observers Post-Election Report Introduction Prior to the 2018 Harmonised election, ZESN released a number of statements and reports informed by its Long Term
More informationTHE ARMS TRADE TREATY AND
All rights reserved. This publication is copyright, but may be reproduced by any method without fee for advocacy, campaigning and teaching purposes, but not for resale. The copyright holders request that
More informationOrganised Violence & Torture Report MARCH By the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum
Organised Violence & Torture Report MARCH 2017 By the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum 1 ACRONYMS CBD CIO GALZ MDC-T NAVUZ NCA OVT UNCAT UPR UYO ZANU PF ZimPF ZRP Central Business District Central Intelligence
More informationCONCEPT NOTE: Thematic briefing: Protecting women from violence through the UN Convention Against Torture
CONCEPT NOTE: Thematic briefing: Protecting women from violence through the UN Convention Against Torture 10.00 am-1.00 pm & 3.00pm-5.45 pm, 4 December 2018 Palais Wilson Introduction The UN Convention
More informationConvention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
United Nations CEDAW/C/SLE/CO/5 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women Distr.: General 11 June 2007 Original: English Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination
More informationCSVR STRATEGY OVERVIEW January 2017 December 2019
CSVR STRATEGY OVERVIEW January 2017 December 2019 Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation CSVR STRATEGY OVERVIEW Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation The CSVR logo is symbolic
More informationSADC ELECTION OBSERVER MISSION (SEOM) PRELIMINARY STATEMENT PRESENTED BY THE HON. JOSÉ MARCOS BARRICA
SADC ELECTION OBSERVER MISSION (SEOM) PRELIMINARY STATEMENT PRESENTED BY THE HON. JOSÉ MARCOS BARRICA MINISTER OF YOUTH AND SPORTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA AND HEAD OF THE SEOM ON THE ZIMBABWE PRESIDENTIAL
More informationTowards a proactive business and human rights regime
Towards a proactive business and human rights regime A Global Witness paper to Danish EU Presidency May 2012 Background Global Witness is a non-governmental organisation that for 17 years has run pioneering
More information(8-26 July 2013) Bosnia and Herzegovina. 24 June Table of Contents. I. Background on Internal Displacement in Bosnia and Herzegovina...
Submission from the Internal Monitoring Displacement Centre (IDMC) of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) for consideration at the 55 th session of the Committee for the Elimination of the Discrimination
More informationZIMBABWE ELECTION SUPPORT NETWORK
ZIMBABWE ELECTION SUPPORT NETWORK Promoting Democratic Elections in Zimbabwe ZESN REPORT ON PRE-ELECTION POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT AND OBSERVATION OF KEY ELECTORAL PROCESSES Introduction ZESN deployed 210
More information2018 Elections: What Happened to the Women? Report produced by the Research & Advocacy Unit (RAU)
2018 Elections: What Happened to the Women? Report produced by the Research & Advocacy Unit (RAU) September 2018 (1) The State must promote full gender balance in Zimbabwean society, and in particular
More informationEuropean Parliament recommendation to the Council of 18 April 2013 on the UN principle of the Responsibility to Protect ( R2P ) (2012/2143(INI))
P7_TA(2013)0180 UN principle of the Responsibility to Protect European Parliament recommendation to the Council of 18 April 2013 on the UN principle of the Responsibility to Protect ( R2P ) (2012/2143(INI))
More informationResolution adopted by the Human Rights Council on 23 March /18. Situation of human rights in the Democratic People s Republic of Korea
United Nations General Assembly Distr.: General 8 April 2016 A/HRC/RES/31/18 Original: English Human Rights Council Thirty-first session Agenda item 4 Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council on
More informationChapter 15 Protection and redress for victims of crime and human rights violations
in cooperation with the Chapter 15 Protection and redress for victims of crime and human rights violations Facilitator s Guide Learning objectives To make the participants aware of the effects that crime
More informationConvention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
United Nations CEDAW/C/HON/CO/6 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women Distr.: General 10 August 2007 Original: English Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination
More informationSEEKinG JUSTIcE FOR ZIMBABWE
SEEKinG JUSTIcE FOR ZIMBABWE A Case for Accountability Against Robert Mugabe and Others 1981 2008 PREPARED BY Professor David M. Crane Sir Desmond De Silva, QC Professor Tom Zwart With the assistance of
More informationZANU PF abusing traditional leaders to drum up support as Chief Mugabe suspends a kraal Head
ZANU PF abusing traditional leaders to drum up support as Chief Mugabe suspends a kraal Head Traditional leaders are allegedly being used as pawns in a big political game by ZANU PF which is making frantic
More informationMISSION DRAWDOWN AND GENDER EQUALITY BENCHMARKS UN WOMEN POLICY BRIEF MARCH 2015
MISSION DRAWDOWN AND GENDER EQUALITY BENCHMARKS UN WOMEN POLICY BRIEF MARCH 2015 Since the emergence and growth of multidimensional missions with broad and complex mandates, the UN Security Council and
More informationBurma s Democratic Transition: About Justice, Legitimacy, and Past Political Violence
Burma s Democratic Transition: About Justice, Legitimacy, and Past Political Violence Daniel Rothenberg* Burma is a nation in crisis. It faces severe economic stagnation, endemic poverty, and serious health
More informationNew York, December 6, 2010
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF COLOMBIA, JUAN MANUEL SANTOS, AT THE NINTH SESSION OF THE ASSEMBLY OF STATES PARTIES TO THE ROME STATUTE OF THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT New York, December
More informationEvery School has a story to tell
Every School has a story to tell A Preliminary Report of a Study on Teachers' Experiences with Elections in Zimbabwe Funded by PROGRESSIVE TEACHERS UNION OF ZIMBABWE September 2011 You are going to lose
More informationUnited Nations Audiovisual Library of International Law
THE UNITED NATIONS BASIC PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES ON THE RIGHT TO A REMEDY AND REPARATION FOR VICTIMS OF GROSS VIOLATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW AND SERIOUS VIOLATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN
More informationCreating Conditions for Free and Fair Elections
Creating Conditions for Free and Fair Elections Understanding the Core Mandate of the Inclusive Government Prof. Arthur G.O. Mutambara, DPM Republic of Zimbabwe 28 th August 2009 There has been a lot of
More informationConcluding comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women: Malawi
3 February 2006 Original: English Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Thirty-fifth session 15 May-2 June 2006 Concluding comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination
More informationIMPORTANCE OF PREVENTING CONFLICT THROUGH DEVELOPMENT,
PRESS RELEASE SECURITY COUNCIL SC/8710 28 APRIL 2006 IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTING CONFLICT THROUGH DEVELOPMENT, DEMOCRACY STRESSED, AS SECURITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTS RESOLUTION 1674 (2006) 5430th Meeting
More information51. Items relating to the rule of law
private sector. 9 A number of representatives emphasized the need for a greater role to be given to the Economic and Social Council and to improve cooperation between it and the Security Council, 10 while
More informationA HUMAN RIGHTS-BASED APPROACH TO TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION 1. Nekane Lavin
A HUMAN RIGHTS-BASED APPROACH TO TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION 1 Nekane Lavin Introduction This paper focuses on the work and experience of the United Nations (UN) Office of the High Commissioner for Human
More informationPeacebuilding Commission
United Nations Peacebuilding Commission Distr.: General 27 November 2007 Original: English Second session Burundi configuration Monitoring and Tracking Mechanism of the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding
More information\mj (~, 17 June Excellency,
(~, \mj ~ THE PRESIDENT OFTHE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 17 June 2015 Excellency, I have the honour to transmit herewith a Summary of the key messages, recommendations and initiatives from the High-Level Thematic
More informationPAPUA NEW GUINEA BRIEFING TO THE UN COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN: VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
PAPUA NEW GUINEA BRIEFING TO THE UN COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN: VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Papua New Guinea Amnesty International Publications First published in 2009 by Amnesty
More informationInternational Criminal Law Moot Court Competition, th, 7 th and 8 th February Organised by
International Criminal Law Moot Court Competition, 2014 6 th, 7 th and 8 th February 2014 Organised by Amity Law School, Centre-II Amity University Uttar Pradesh India 1 International Criminal Court At
More informationZimbabwe Harmonised Elections on 30 July 2018
on 30 July 2018 Preliminary Statement by John Dramani Mahama Former President of the Republic of Ghana Chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group: Members of the media, ladies and gentlemen. Thank
More informationSubmission to the UN Committee against Torture. List of Issues Prior to Reporting for Somalia
Submission to the UN Committee against Torture List of Issues Prior to Reporting for Somalia October 2017 1 Table of Contents: I. Introduction II. Brief context III. Proposed Questions Articles 1 and 4:
More informationWomen Waging Peace PEACE IN SUDAN: WOMEN MAKING THE DIFFERENCE RECOMMENDATIONS I. ADDRESSING THE CRISIS IN DARFUR
Women Waging Peace PEACE IN SUDAN: WOMEN MAKING THE DIFFERENCE RECOMMENDATIONS October 8-15, 2004, Women Waging Peace hosted 16 Sudanese women peace builders for meetings, presentations, and events in
More informationSierra Leone. Submission to the Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council 11th Session: May 2011
Sierra Leone Submission to the Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council 11th Session: May 2011 International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) November 1, 2010 Summary 1. This submission
More informationuniversities, for their concerted efforts and hard work in organizing this important conference.
Keynote Opening Address by Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol at the Asian Society of International Law Inter-sessional Conference, The Rule of Law and Development Nexus: A New Deal for
More informationIntroduction. Historical Context
July 2, 2010 MYANMAR Submission to the Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council 10th Session: January 2011 International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) Introduction 1. In 2008 and
More informationREGIONAL CONFERENCE ON IMPUNITY, JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS BAMAKO DECLARATION
REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON IMPUNITY, JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS BAMAKO DECLARATION The participants of the Regional Conference on Impunity, Justice and Human Rights gathered in Bamako from 2 to 4 December 2011:
More informationLetter dated 13 June 2008 from the Permanent Representatives of Finland, Germany and Jordan to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General
United Nations A/62/885 General Assembly Distr.: General 19 June 2008 Original: English Sixty-second session Agenda items 34 and 86 Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations
More informationConvention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women Distr: General 25 August 2006 Original: English Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Thirty-sixth
More informationZANU PF SUPPORTERS DISRUPT COPAC OUTREACH MEETINGS IN HARARE & CHITUNGWIZA
ZANU PF SUPPORTERS DISRUPT COPAC OUTREACH MEETINGS IN HARARE & CHITUNGWIZA Supporters hired from peri-urban and surrounding farms Serving Communities REPORT ON THE HARARE AND CHITUNGWIZA COPAC OUTREACH
More informationI. The Situation in Uganda and DRC: II. Peace without Justice or Justice without Peace? III. IV. V. Conclusion. Presentation on 07 October 2006 by
Presentation on 07 October 2006 by Dr. Robert Heinsch LL.M. International Criminal Court, The Hague 1 I. The Situation in Uganda and DRC: Is the ICC obstructing the peace process? II. III. IV. The Peace
More informationHUMAN RIGHTS CHALLENGES IN THE DRC: A VIEW FROM MONUC s HUMAN RIGHTS SECTION
HUMAN RIGHTS CHALLENGES IN THE DRC: A VIEW FROM MONUC s HUMAN RIGHTS SECTION Roberto Ricci 1 Introduction From the outset, it must be emphasised that the Human Rights Section is not acting alone in the
More informationTerms of Reference for Consultants. Comparative Study on International Best Practices on Gender Policies in Political Parties
Terms of Reference for Consultants Comparative Study on International Best Practices on Gender Policies in Political Parties I. BACKGROUND AND PROJECT INFORMATION Ghana, in the past two decades has made
More informationBook Review. Pratiksha Baxi*
Book Review Remembering Revolution: Gender, Violence and Subjectivity in India s Naxalbari Movement 1 Pratiksha Baxi* Remembering Revolution, a stunning book on the Naxalbari movement of the 1960s, is
More informationECOSOC. Study Guide KleMUN 2014
ECOSOC Study Guide KleMUN 2014 Study Guide Economic and Social Council The Committee ECOSOC Topic A Elimination of Human Trafficking and its sources Topic B Promoting the Right of Education and enforcing
More informationPp6 Welcoming the historic free and fair democratic elections in January and August 2015 and peaceful political transition in Sri Lanka,
Page 1 of 6 HRC 30 th Session Draft Resolution Item 2: Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka The Human Rights Council, Pp1 Reaffirming the purposes and principles of the
More informationGlobalization, Labour Market Developments and Poverty
Globalization, Labour Market Developments and Poverty Panel Discussion on Employment and Development Berlin 25 May, 2006 Timo Voipio Senior Adviser on Global Social Policy Ministry for Foreign Affairs
More informationCommittee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Thirtieth session January 2004 Excerpted from: Supplement No.
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Thirtieth session 12-30 January 2004 Excerpted from: Supplement No. 38 (A/59/38) Concluding comments of the Committee on the Elimination of
More informationRESPONDING TO RADICALISATION:
NIGERIA STABILITY AND RECONCILIATION PROGRAMME (NSRP) RESPONDING TO RADICALISATION: LESSONS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES AND THEIR RELEVANCE FOR NIGERIA PAGE A. INTRODUCTION 2 B. EIGHT LESSONS ABOUT CONFLICT AND
More informationWhat kind of contributions do you consider that truth commissions make to peace building in a post-conflict scenario?
What kind of contributions do you consider that truth commissions make to peace building in a post-conflict scenario? Phil Green Copyright March 2009 Written as part of a MA in Globalisation and International
More informationWomen s Victimization in Transitional Justice and their Fight for Democracy and Human Rights: The Story of Taiwan. Yi-Li Lee
Women s Victimization in Transitional Justice and their Fight for Democracy and Human Rights: The Story of Taiwan Yi-Li Lee Research Working Paper Series March 2018 HRP 18-001 The views expressed in the
More informationUnited Nations Nations Unies
United Nations Nations Unies United Nations Commission on the Status of Women Fifty-seventh session 4-15 March 2013 New York INTERACTIVE EXPERT PANEL on "Elimination and Prevention of all Forms of Violence
More informationJakarta Declaration. World Press Freedom Day Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media s role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies
Jakarta Declaration World Press Freedom Day 2017 Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media s role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies We, the participants at the UNESCO World Press Freedom
More informationJürgen Kohl March 2011
Jürgen Kohl March 2011 Comments to Claus Offe: What, if anything, might we mean by progressive politics today? Let me first say that I feel honoured by the opportunity to comment on this thoughtful and
More informationSecurity Council. United Nations S/2016/328
United Nations S/2016/328 Security Council Distr.: General 7 April 2016 Original: English Report of the Secretary-General on technical assistance provided to the African Union Commission and the Transitional
More informationPeacebuilding perspectives on Religion, Violence and Extremism.
Peacebuilding perspectives on Religion, Violence and Extremism. QUNO remarks at the Second Annual Symposium on The Role of Religion and Faith-Based Organizations in International Affairs, UN Headquarters,
More information30/ Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka
United Nations General Assembly Distr.: Limited 29 September 2015 A/HRC/30/L.29 Original: English Human Rights Council Thirtieth session Agenda item 2 Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner
More informationWORKING PAPER PRESENTED BY IRELAND TO THE CONFERENCE OF STATE PARTIES TO THE ARMS TRADE TREATY: ARTICLE 7(4) AND GENDER BASED VIOLENCE ASSESSMENT
04 September 2017 Submitted by: Ireland Original: English Arms Trade Treaty Third Conference of States Parties Geneva, 11 15 September 2017 WORKING PAPER PRESENTED BY IRELAND TO THE CONFERENCE OF STATE
More informationMarginalised Urban Women in South-East Asia
Marginalised Urban Women in South-East Asia Understanding the role of gender and power relations in social exclusion and marginalisation Tom Greenwood/CARE Understanding the role of gender and power relations
More informationMrs. Fatou Bensouda Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. Address at the First Plenary. Fifteenth Session of the Assembly of States Parties
Mrs. Fatou Bensouda Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Address at the First Plenary Fifteenth Session of the Assembly of States Parties Check against delivery World Forum, The Hague, Netherlands
More informationConcluding comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women: Fiji. Initial report
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Twenty-sixth session 14 January 1 February 2002 Excerpted from: Supplement No. 38 (A/57/38) Concluding comments of the Committee on the Elimination
More informationNepal. Implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement
January 2008 country summary Nepal Implementation of the November 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) to end the 1996-2006 civil war progressed with the promulgation of an interim constitution, and
More informationFORCIBLE TRANSFER: ESSENTIAL LEGAL PRINCIPLES A REFERENCE GUIDE FOR PRACTITIONERS AND POLICY-MAKERS
FORCIBLE TRANSFER: ESSENTIAL LEGAL PRINCIPLES A REFERENCE GUIDE FOR PRACTITIONERS AND POLICY-MAKERS July 2015 About BADIL BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights, located in
More informationEMPOWERMENT FOR ECONOMIC & SOCIAL JUSTICE
1 Photo: Misha Wolsgaard-Iversen EMPOWERMENT FOR ECONOMIC & SOCIAL JUSTICE Oxfam IBIS THEMATIC PROFILE AND ADDED VALUE IN OXFAM Good governance and sound democracies are the pillars of a number of Oxfam
More information25/1. Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka
United Nations General Assembly Distr.: General 9 April 2014 A/HRC/RES/25/1 Original: English Human Rights Council Twenty- fifth session Agenda item 2 Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner
More informationNepal. Failures in Earthquake Relief and Reconstruction JANUARY 2017
JANUARY 2017 COUNTRY SUMMARY Nepal Political instability persisted through 2016, with yet another change in government. A new political coalition, led by Maoist Prime Minister Pushpa Kumar Dahal, took
More information