What the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission said about public protests and the police

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission chasticised both the public and the police on their conduct in the recent demonstrations that rocked the country.

It said that while the constitution guaranteed every person the right to demonstrate and to present petitions, these rights must be exercised peacefully and the demonstrators should not seek to harm anyone or destroy or loot property.

Police, on the other hand, had a duty to protect and secure the lives and property of the people, uphold the Constitution of Zimbabwe, and enforce the law without fear or favour.

It said security concerns should not be used as an excuse to harass demonstrators or non-demonstrators, which undermines the fundamental principles granted by the constitution and international law.

Below is the press statement in full:

PRESS STATEMENT ON PUBLIC PROTESTS AND POLICE CONDUCT

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) is cognisant of the demonstrations, protests and ongoing unrest in the country. As a country, Zimbabwe is founded on the principles of the supremacy of the Constitution, fundamental human rights and freedoms, and recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of each human being. The Constitution guarantees under section 59 that every person has the right to demonstrate and to present petitions, but these rights must be exercised peacefully, and the demonstrators should not seek to harm anyone or destroy or loot property.

In terms of section 219 of the Constitution, the Police have a duty to protect and secure the lives and property of the people, uphold the Constitution of Zimbabwe, and enforce the law without fear or favour. It is noted with regret that the police did violate the fundamental rights of the people as evidenced by the facts gathered on the ground. Security concerns should not be used as an excuse to harass demonstrators or non-demonstrators, which undermines the fundamental principles granted by our Constitution and international law. Citizens should enjoy police protection and not brutality. Police have a duty to facilitate the conduct of undisturbed peaceful demonstrations and petitions. The ZHRC is, therefore, extremely concerned about the recent violent conduct of the ZRP.

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