Britain says reformist policies are beginning to emerge in Zimbabwe

Britain says there have been some positive developments in Zimbabwe in 20125 and there are signs that reformist policies are beginning to emerge especially in the economy.

The human rights situation, though relatively stable, continues to be fragile especially during election periods.

Britain’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Philip Hammond said last week it was critical for Zimbabwe to implement electoral reforms ahead of the 2018 elections and the international community must support the people of Zimbabwe in exercising their democratic right to build a free, peaceful and prosperous nation.

Q &A:

Hilary Benn Shadow Foreign Secretary– To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his most recent assessment is of the political situation in Zimbabwe.

Philip Hammond Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs– Since the 2013 elections, our assessment of the political situation in Zimbabwe remains broadly the same, with 2015 signalling some positive developments. Within the Zimbabwe African National Union administration there are signs of reformist policies beginning to emerge, especially on the economy. The human rights situation has remained relatively stable and reported violations continue to fall. However, the situation continues to be fragile and we remain concerned about human rights abuses, especially during election periods. Ahead of the 2018 elections, it is critical that electoral reforms are implemented, and that the international community supports the people of Zimbabwe in exercising their democratic right to build a free, peaceful and prosperous future.

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