Dear Senator / Congressman / UN Member,
"The ideal of free human beings enjoying freedom from fear and want can only be achieved if conditions are created whereby everyone may enjoy his economic, social and cultural rights, as well as his civil and political rights." International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Given that in 1991, Zimbabwe acceded to both covenants of the International Bill of Human Rights, the recent denial of food (and water), health (and healthcare), education, and housing services, which have been provided to the people of Zimbabwe, may be an economic and social rights violation. Further occurrences are as follows:
An estimated 1/3 of the population survives on food aid distributed by international aid agencies; last week these aid agencies were suspended.
Election observers, lawyers, journalist, activists, parishioners and teachers have been arrested, tortured and intimidated.
Since the elections, there have been 3,000 confirmed victims, including 60 deaths. Much of the violence has occurred at established torture and re-education camps. The Army, Police, and Air Force all are implicated.
Victims are prevented from receiving medical treatment; hospitals and doctors are warned not to treat those who have suffered.
There is widespread, state-sanctioned looting and burning of rural homes. Thousands have fled and will be unable to vote outside of their home area.
We ask the UN to take positive steps to assure the rights of the people of Zimbabwe under both covenants of the International Bill of Human Rights. In regard to the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, we ask the UN to take positive steps to reconnect NGO-service to the people of Zimbabwe. Further, in regard, to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, we ask the UN to take positive steps to reconnect the people of Zimbabwe to the impending run-off election this June 27.
Thank you.
){kind=link}