Human rights losing out in Zimbabwe
SINCE the elections in Zimbabwe were announced, there has been constant media speculation about when the elections would take place, what the outcome would be, who would control the balance of power, and whether or not there would be the prospect of violence during them.
If the forthcoming elections are to be free and fair, there needs to be greater focus on the broader context in which they are taking place, including the space for human rights defenders to undertake their legitimate activities. They will play a key role in monitoring human rights abuses and defending the rights of ordinary Zimbabweans.
