The Advocates for Human Rights is gravely concerned about recent threats, harassment, and abductions of our Zimbabwean colleagues.  We write today to request the immediate cessation of violence directed at human rights defenders and lawyers carrying out their professional duties. 

The Advocates for Human Rights is a non-governmental organization made up of lawyers and other professionals dedicated to the promotion of human rights and the rule of law locally, nationally, and internationally.

In particular, we are monitoring the situation as regards the following members of the legal profession in Zimbabwe:

·        Bindura Provincial Magistrate Mr. Mawadza, who as assaulted by ZANU-PF party members on June 23 after granting bail to MDC activists

·        Ernest Jena, who was abducted from his Bindura office by youths associated with ZANU-PF on June 24

·        Eric Matinenga, who was unlawfully detained for several days despite a valid court order for his release

·        Andrew Makoni, who was forced earlier this month to flee Zimbabwe after credible threats were made against his life and after several of his clients were murdered

·        Harrison Nkomo, who last month was arrested and detained and who has also recently been forced to flee Zimbabwe after credible threats were made against his life

We are also aware that other lawyers have been threatened, harassed, assaulted and impeded in the exercise of their professional duties.  We wish to express our solidarity with lawyers in Zimbabwe and our commitment to supporting the continued safety of all those working to defend human rights and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. 

The government of Zimbabwe has a responsibility under Zimbabwean law, African regional instruments, and international agreements to protect the human rights of all Zimbabweans and to ensure that lawyers can safely carry out their professional duties.  The Zimbabwean Constitution, article 18, guarantees to all Zimbabweans the equal protection of the law.  Continuing attacks on the legal profession and judiciary is inconsistent with that constitutional mandate.  Moreover, The African Commission on Human and People’s Rights has adopted Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Fair Trial and Legal Assistance in Africa.  These principles specify that lawyers should be protected in the exercise of their professional duties.

We respectfully request that the government of Zimbabwe ensure the safety and security of lawyers defending human rights in Zimbabwe, consistent with its obligations under domestic and international law.  Specifically we seek assurances from you that:

·        attacks against the personal security of lawyers will cease

·        valid orders of the courts of Zimbabwe will be observed by state security forces and other members of the executive branch

·        investigation and prosecution of those responsible for abductions and assaults against members of the legal profession will immediately be undertaken 

We will continue to monitor these cases closely and look forward to receiving your response.

Sincerely,

Robin Phillips

Executive Director