Zimbabwe recorded 141 human rights violations across its provinces in November, according to a monthly report from the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP).
Matabeleland South ranked as the province with the second-highest number of violations.
The reported violations ranged from threats of violence and the politicisation of aid to unfair practices in distributing food aid and agricultural inputs. They also included malicious damage to property, assault, unlawful evictions, and restricted freedoms of assembly, association, and expression.
According to the November report, these violations affected 1382 victims—458 females and 924 males.
“A provincial breakdown of human rights violations in Zimbabwe reveals an urgent need for accountability. Manicaland Province recorded the highest number of violations, with 34 incidents. Other provinces reported notable figures, including Matabeleland South (24), Mashonaland West (18), Mashonaland Central (16), Harare (15), Midlands (11), Mashonaland East (10), and Masvingo (9),” the report stated.
Bulawayo and Matabeleland North recorded relatively low numbers, with only two incidents each.
The ZPP also documented 34 instances of restricted freedoms of expression, association, and assembly.
“There were nine violations of freedom of assembly, 14 violations of freedom of expression, and 11 violations of access to social services. These figures highlight growing concerns over the erosion of fundamental freedoms in Zimbabwe,” the report noted.
The report criticised forced attendance at political meetings and mandatory allegiance as prerequisites for accessing food aid. The ZPP emphasised that such practices violate Section 20 of the Zimbabwean Constitution, which guarantees freedoms of expression and assembly.
“In rural areas, traditional leaders frequently overstep their authority, coercing community members to attend political meetings and compelling them to join political parties,” the report alleged.
“In some cases, individuals are forced to attend meetings and chant party slogans. Those who fail to comply are denied essential food aid and other government-sponsored support. As a result, many comply begrudgingly,” the report added.
