International Bar Association (London)
29 February 2008
press release
The International Bar Association (IBA) is concerned at statements by Police Commissioner Augustine Chihuri on 25 February stating that the Zimbabwean police force would not hesitate to use full force, including firearms, when confronting any incidents of politically motivated violence during the country’s election period. It would be more appropriate, in the tense atmosphere that exists in Zimbabwe at present, for the police and security forces to reassure voters that they will be protected and their right to vote freely ensured. The IBA urges the Police Commissioner not to posture over the potential use of lethal force and avoid intimidating statements that could deter voters from participating freely in the electoral process.
The IBA is further deeply concerned by reports of a lack of concerted action by all parties and authorities in Zimbabwe to prevent violence during the elections. The IBA supports the proposal by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to establish a multi-party committee at national, constituency and district levels in order to respond to any potential election related problems. The IBA recommends these committees be established as a matter of urgency.
Mark Ellis, IBA Executive Director stated “We urge all political party leaders and independent contenders in the upcoming elections to uphold civility during their broadcasts, rallies and speeches.” Mr Ellis added “Consistent reports of partisan policing and torture by Zimbabwean police against civilians heightens our concern for the safety of Zimbabwean citizens during the election.”
Richard Goldstone, Co-Chair of the IBA Human Rights Institute stated that “The people of Zimbabwe have the right to equal protection of the law. Immediate measures must be taken to ensure that police and security forces operate impartially and are fully accountable for their actions, particularly at this tense time.”
Background:
The Police Commissioner for Zimbabwe, Commissioner General Chihuri made statements to the press on 25 February, emphasising that Zimbabwean police would not hesitate to use force, including firearms when confronting any incidences of politically motivated violence.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has also recently stated that it will establish multi-party liaison committees throughout polling districts in Zimbabwe to help combat any unrest. There are reports that political party leaders and independent candidates for the presidency have failed to call for calm and restraint during this election period.
The IBA has consistently spoken out on human rights violations and threats to the rule of law in Zimbabwe. A high level delegation sent by the IBA visited the country in August 2007 to investigate allegations of torture and abuse carried out by members of the Zimbabwean police. The most recent report titled “Partisan Policing: An obstacle to human rights and democracy” was released in November 2007. The report made a number of recommendations to the authorities and international and regional stakeholders based on the domestic, regional and international obligations of the Zimbabwean Government to uphold and protect human rights. The main message of the report was that far- reaching reforms for the police force were necessary in order to address the impunity in which the police operate in Zimbabwe.
The report can be downloaded from:
http://www.ibanet.org/images/downloads/11_2007_October_Report_Zimbabwe_Partisan_policing_Final.pdf
About the International Bar Association
- the global voice of the legal profession
The International Bar Association (IBA), established in 1947, is the world's leading organisation of international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. The IBA influences the development of international law reform and shapes the future of the legal profession throughout the world. It has a membership of 30,000 individual lawyers and more than 195 bar associations and law societies spanning all continents.
Grouped into two divisions – the Legal Practice Division and the Public and Professional Interest Division – the IBA covers all practice areas and professional interests, providing members with access to leading experts and up-to-date information. Through the various committees of the divisions, the IBA enables an interchange of information and views as to laws, practices and professional responsibilities relating to the practice of law around the globe. Additionally, the IBA’s high-quality publications and world-class conferences provide unrivalled professional development and network-building opportunities for international legal practitioners and professional associates.
The IBA’s Bar Issues Commission provides an invaluable forum for the IBA’s member bar associations and law societies to discuss all matters relating to law at an international level.
The IBA's Human Rights Institute promotes, protects and enforces human rights under a just rule of law, and works to preserve the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession worldwide.
About the Human Rights Institute
In 1995, the International Bar Association (IBA) established the Human Rights Institute (HRI) under the Honorary Presidency of Nelson Mandela. The HRI is now a leading voice in the promotion of the rule of law worldwide.
The HRI works across the IBA, helping to promote, protect and enforce human rights under a just rule of law, and to preserve the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession worldwide.
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