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Members of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) have expressed concern over growing tensions and human rights violations in the country ahead of the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State Meeting scheduled for August 17.
The southern African country has reportedly stepped up its crackdown on dissidents and carried out “numerous arrests and human rights violations” as it prepares to host the Southern African Development Community summit in the capital Harare.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 9, ZCBC members called on the government to exercise restraint and citizens to demonstrate the “culture of tolerance” and unity in diversity that Zimbabweans are famous for.
“In a democracy where human dignity, freedom of association and freedom of expression are fundamental, the resurgence of violence, torture and kidnapping is deeply disturbing,” they lamented.
“As Catholic bishops, we are concerned and saddened that suppressing dissent and quelling possible demonstrations, violence, torture and kidnappings seem to be the only option,” they lamented, asking, “Why not try to engage in dialogue with those who are outraged by the current state of our country?”
Catholic Church leaders called on the government and the public to exercise restraint and stressed the need to express discontent “responsibly.”
“As Zimbabweans, we have a tolerant culture and we value diversity. Let us see this in the way we run our businesses and the way we voice our grievances,” ZCBC members said in an August 9 statement.
They point out that people are often prompted to voice their discontent when countries host major international conferences.
“We have seen people preparing to do this in the past and are doing so now. This phenomenon is not unique to Zimbabwe,” the Catholic bishops said.
Members of the Zambia Chamber of Commerce urged the government to avoid “repressive measures”, adding that such an approach would be “self-defeating”. They stressed the need for dialogue with those who are unhappy with the current state of the country.
They called on “all those involved to exercise their rights responsibly and on the government to exercise restraint. The current situation in the country is not good for anyone.”
Catholic Church leaders further condemned the “arbitrary” arrest of activists by Zimbabwean courts and their subsequent refusal to grant bail.
“Recently, we have seen arbitrary arrests of citizens on baseless charges. Some of those arrested have been denied bail. Of course, even those who ‘have committed a crime’ deserve justice,” the Catholic bishops said, reiterating that those arrested “cannot be deprived of their fundamental rights. Here, the maxim ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ rings true.”
Zimbabwe’s Catholics added: “Let us defend the human rights enshrined in the constitution.”
They went on to caution politicians against what Catholic bishops called the “toxic, inflammatory rhetoric” prevalent in the media, and urged leaders to remember the words of Jesus: “To whom much is given, of him much will be required.”
They called on leaders to use their influence to unite the people of Zimbabwe, including those who may disagree with their policies and express different opinions.
The ZCBC members also called on law enforcement officers to “carry out their duties professionally. It is wise to investigate first and then arrest the perpetrators. It must not be the other way around.”
“As we prepare to welcome the Heads of State of the Southern African Development Community, we implore all citizens to respect the law and ask the Government to exercise restraint. Let us build together a nation whose banner is peace, justice and solidarity,” the Catholic bishops said.
“We pray that we will never let evil overcome us and that we can live in harmony, respect each other and our sacred Constitution,” they pleaded.
Source: NewZim
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