Human Rights Watch: Zimbabwe 2011

The Human Rights Watch released their World Report 2012, which summarizes the events of 2011.  Below are some of the categories they write about and the atrocities taking place.  For a complete view of 2011, read the entire report here.

Politics

• After a period of relative calm, 2011 saw an increase in politically motivated violence across the country.

• Police and prosecutors have been highly partisan and biased in their investigations and prosecution of acts of violence between supporters of the two parties. Groups allied to ZANU-PF continue to beat and intimidate citizens in the high-density suburbs of Harare with impunity, while MDC activists accused of violence are disproportionately arrested.

Human Rights Activists & Freedom of Expression

• The Zimbabwean authorities continue to use repression and intimidation to silence human rights advocates and to prevent them from exposing abuses and promoting respect for human rights.

• On September 21, police arrested 12 activists from the organization Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) during a peaceful march commemorating the international day of peace. Ten of the activists were released without charge but two leaders of the organization, Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu, spent 13 days in custody.

• There continue to be serious limits on the rights to freedom of expression and information in Zimbabwe, particularly in the form of threats of closure of independent media organizations, as well as the intimidation, arbitrary arrest, and criminal prosecution of journalists. The government’s actions seem primarily designed to inhibit criticism of government officials and institutions, and to muzzle reporting and commentary on the political situation in the country.

Diamonds

• While violence has decreased in the Marange diamond fields over the past year, Human Rights Watch research in June found that Zimbabwe police and private security guards employed by mining companies in the Marange diamond fields were implicated in abuses against local unlicensed miners. Private security guards working with the police routinely beat and set dogs to attack and maul local miners who stray into areas of the fields controlled by the companies. During patrols, police also fired live ammunition at miners as they fled the fields.

Interaction with the World

• The United Nations Human Rights Council’s first Universal Periodic Review of Zimbabwe took place in October 2011. Zimbabwe rebuffed at the outset all recommendations pertaining to investigating allegations of violations, combating impunity, and bolstering protection in the Marange region, and related to freedoms of assembly and expression, including repealing or amending the POSA.

• Due to the absence of meaningful human rights improvements, the European Union and United States have maintained targeted sanctions on Mugabe and others within his government.

As elections still loom in 2012, political violence is sure to rise, human rights activists and journalists will most likely face more oppression, and Zimbabweans will bear the brunt of the uncertainty.  It’s important to let the government in Zimbabwe know the world is watching and we want to see their incredible potential work for positive change. 

The Geography of Women's Economic Opportunity

The treatment of women reflects a society’s commitment to equality and social justice. But it also reflects its ability to harness human capital, advance to innovative frontiers and generate higher levels of economic prosperity for all members.

This eye-opening article explores the Geography of Women’s Economic Opportunity. 

Most Zimbabweans have few economic opportunities, but women face more barriers than men.  And they are often the ones left to provide for children, parents, and other relatives. 

This map shows how countries rank in Gender Equity: 

 

Do you see Zimbabwe?  It’s there, in the gold color, inside the black circle.  Zimbabwe scores very low in education, economic participation, and empowerment of women.  On all of the maps in this study, one thing is clear: "ocieties which emphasize tolerance, individual autonomy and self-expression over hierarchical, authoritarian values also have higher levels of economic development." For countries to prosper, they must encourage the participation of women in the business environment.  We believe that women are the key to economic and societal success.  The women of Zimbags are proving that one bag at a time.     

Happy Women's Day!

Today is the 100th International Women's Day.

Since we work in Zimbabwe, we are particularly interested in the girls and women of Africa and how they can change the world. When you educate a girl in Africa she is less likely to get HIV/AIDS, she is more likely to have a small and healthy family, she will earn much more money and be able to pass those benefits onto her children.

A woman can end the cycle of poverty. That's why we choose to work with women artists in Zimbabwe. The women of Zimbabwe often care for many children and live on less than $1 a day. They are often unable to pay for school for their children and struggle to pay for food and medical care.

So today, please consider purchasing from Zimbags and support a woman artist in Zimbabwe who are working hard to break the cycle of poverty with their children. Celebrate the strength and courage of women by supporting some incredible artists in Zimbabwe!

And we have made it even easier for you by offering 10% off any Zimbag featuring artwork of women.


We can bag poverty in this generation. And ending poverty never looked so good.

-The Happy Bag Elves

Human rights are rights for humans.

Human rights are freedoms and basic rights that ALL humans are entitled to. But not all leaders (or other people) live in a way that protects these.

The people of Zimbabwe face many attacks on their rights. Here is a human rights violations that is currently taking place in Zimbabwe:

Human rights and political activists in Zimbabwe are facing a major clampdown, with over 60 currently held in detention and many allegedly tortured. In Harare, 45 people have been charged with treason and face the death penalty if convicted. More activists have been arrested in Bulawayo and Manicaland province.

Read more here.

As elections loom large, let's make it clear to the leaders in Zimbabwe that the world is watching and let's show the people of Zimbabwe that we care what happens to them. At Zimbags, we are watching in hopes of keeping the people in power accountable for their actions. Join us by staying informed.

Happy Friday!

-The Happy Bag Elves

The March for Love.

Every year the people of WOZA march on Valentine's Day in peaceful protest. This year was the ninth year and over a thousand people showed up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe to march for peace.

From WOZA's website:

"AT 10am, five simultaneous protests began in different locations in downtown Bulawayo. One thousand eight hundred women and men, members of Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) turned out for the ninth edition of the Valentines Day protests, the biggest protest since WOZA these protests began in 2003. The target of the peaceful protest, the offices of The Chronicle newspaper with the objective of testing if there is free media or state propaganda remains entrenched. The huge mass of singing protestors completely closed off 9th avenue for over 30 minutes.

The second group arriving at The chronicle at 10:15 am 12 Feb 2011.

The men and women aged from 17 to 93 years old, sang songs as they marched and handed out hundreds of red roses, specially prepared Valentine Cards and the Woza Moya (Come healing wind) Newsletter bearing the top ten point on constitutional reform and on the Inclusive Government. Although different songs were sung by the marching formations, one song was featured at The Chronicle offices - ‘Why are Zimbabweans populating other countries - why is that?’ The chorus answers was mentioning the instances of political violence in which people have died forcing people to flee to other countries for their better survival.

A police vehicle arrived on the scene and three plain clothed officers (in striped dresscode, so easily recognisable) went into the protest demanding cards and newsletters. They then started to make their way to the front of the protest making for leaders Williams and Mahlangu but fortunately it was at that point that the protest dispersal slogan was being shouted and people were turning away to go home. Williams and Mahlangu were swept along with the dispersing masses. All that was left was for the three officers to gather up the placards, cards and red roses left for them.

A police BMW vehicle attempted to disperse another protest just after they began by dangerously driving through the protest. Police Officers of the Riot squad came upon some dispersing members at Jason Moyo Avenue and jumped from their vehicle to try to quicken the dispersing activists. A vehicle full of Riot police was also seen at the bus terminus after the protest monitoring the movement of commuters.

The singing of songs was so well coordinated that several bystanders thought WOZA should form a choir. Another bystander commented ‘please can they say their message well so maybe things can change in Zimbabwe’. Many cars hooted and stopped to get their copies of cards and roses."

-The Happy Bag Elves

"My Rights. My Struggle." Amnesty International Exhibition

The "My Rights. My Struggle." exhibition is a testament to the extraordinary bravery and determination of ordinary Zimbabweans defending their rights. Originating in South Africa in 2008 and visiting several African countries, the exhibition compellingly illustrates the continuing need for action in Zimbabwe.

Amnesty International first brought this photo exhibition to the United States in early 2009 and is now available on line. Listen as human rights defenders describe in audio interviews the challenges they confront. Hear what keeps them motivated in the face of such adversity. Allow their voices to inspire you to speak out as well for an end to human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.

Check out the stories of these incredible Zimbabweans and how they have fought for their rights.

-The Happy Bag Elves

There is no template, but there is solidarity.

After being in power for 30 years, President Robert Mugabe shows no sign of loosening his grip on Zimbabwe. The last election was violent, many were tortured, imprisoned, and killed. And the outlook for a future election is not good.

This article in the NYT lays out some of the warning signs this time around.

In Mashonaland West, Mr. Mugabe’s home province, people said they were already being warned by local traditional leaders loyal to Mr. Mugabe that the next election would be more terrifying than the last one, when their relatives were abducted and attacked after Mr. Tsvangirai won some constituencies.

“They say, ‘We were only playing with you last time,’ ” said one 53-year-old woman, too frightened to be quoted by name, repeating a warning others in the countryside have heard. “ ‘This time we will go door to door beating and killing people if you don’t vote for ZANU-PF.’ ”

Mugabe has been in power far too long and it is worsening the situation in Zimbabwe. On top of worrying about feeding their children, sending them to school, finding jobs, and every-day things... the people of Zimbabwe also fear threats of violence.

“There’s no template about the solution to the Zimbabwe crisis,” he said. “We have learned this over the last 10 years. There is no template for how we’re going to deal with Mugabe.”

There may not be a template for how to deal with Mugabe and the crisis in Zimbabwe, but there are things we can do. Even from thousands of miles away. Even physically removed from the situation, we can stand in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe. We can spread the word about what is happening. I hope that the news continues to cover the situation in Zimbabwe so that Mugabe knows the world is watching. You can spread the word by telling your friends and family, writing about it on your blog, sharing links and information on Facebook....

Solidarity: arising from common responsibilities and as between members of a group or between classes, peoples, etc.

Let's make sure that the people of Zimbabwe know that they are not alone in their fight for justice and fair treatment. Stay informed about what is going on and spread the word. Voices are powerful. The more voices, the louder the call for what is right.

-The Bag Elves

Human Rights Day Sale & a Secret.....

Today is Human Rights Day. "The Day marks the anniversary of the Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Over the years, a whole network of human rights instruments and mechanisms has been developed to ensure the primacy of human rights and to confront human rights violations wherever they occur."

At Zimbags we believe it is every person’s right to have the opportunity to earn living wages and better herself, her family, and her community. Thus, our goal as an organization is to teach women sustainable skills and create job opportunities that will ultimately improve their quality of life.

In honor of Human Rights Day we are having a sale on the Zimfolding Shopper! Each bag is just $10 through the 13th of December. Make sure to snag your Zimfolding Shopper quickly.

Why did we choose the Zimfolding Shopper? Well, that's where the secret comes in. Shhh, don't tell the other Zimbags, but we happen to love this bag especially. It folds up so small and can be tucked just about anywhere -- it is just so darn cute. And practical. It holds more than a plastic shopping bag and is sturdier. Because it is so small and lightweight, it is easy to store in places where you won't forget to take it into the store. And don't get us started on the beautiful artwork! We swoon over this bag (almost as much as the Zimonsies which kill us with cuteness!)

Where could you store it, you ask? Well, how about your purse, diaper bag, coat pocket, basket on your bike, glove compartment in your car, on the dash of your car, or anywhere else you can think of.

A bit about this cute (and practical) bag:

It folds and velcros closed into a neat little packet measuring 7” by 4”. Perfect for slipping into your purse or glove compartment so you are never without a reusable bag. When unfolded, your bag will have 2 pockets, perfect for storing your keys, coupons, chap stick, gum, or any small thing you must have with you when shopping. Not only will you be helping the environment by eliminating wasteful plastic bags, you will be helping women in Zimbabwe overcome extreme poverty.

Each bag features sadza artwork created by women artists from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The art is sewn onto bags by bag elves in the US. When you purchase your bag you have the choice of Safari Animals or Cultural Scenes or Zimbabwean Designs, make sure to specify your choice! Each Zimbag comes with the story of a woman artist and explains how you are helping to Bag Poverty.

Get your Zimfolding Shopper and support the right for women in Zimbabwe to care for their families. (Currently the life expectancy in Zimbabwe is in the 30s. Creating sustainable jobs for women allows them to feed and educate their children so that the life expectancy can be longer -- a right everyone should have.)

Always,
The Happy Bag Elves

Poverty is the worst form of violence.

The Numbers


11,000,000: There are over 11 million children in Sub Saharan Africa who have been orphaned by AIDS.

4,000,000: The UN predicts the number of people needing urgent food assistance will increase to 4 million in the first three months of 2008.

5000%: Zimbabwe’s current inflation rate, a world record.

90%: Percentage of Zimbabwe’s population is living on less than $1 a day – this often means they are living on pennies.

70%: Percentage of deaths in children under 5 in Zimbabwe that are caused by HIV/AIDS.

35: The life expectancy for women in Zimbabwe. 35 and falling.

20%: In Zimbabwe, more than 20% of young women are infected with HIV/AIDS. Poverty perpetuates this disease as women turn to the sex industry for money, contraceptives become scare, medicines are too expensive, mothers do not get prenatal care, education is rare, and sexual violence rates increase. HIV/AIDS is then passed onto their children.

1%: At this moment, only a fraction of 1% of the population can afford one meal a day.

But the statistics only get us so far.

Millions of people in Zimbabwe need your help: finding a solution to their hunger, healing their ailments, earning a living wage, and mending their families, community, and country.

These women, and other women worldwide, deserve to live past their 35th birthday.

It is the right of every person to earn a living wage. It is the right of every person to have access to healthcare. It is the right of every person to live.

Sometimes the lack of substantive freedoms relates directly to economic poverty, which robs people of the freedom to satisfy hunger, or to achieve sufficient nutrition, or to obtain remedies for treatable illnesses, or the opportunity to be adequately clothed or sheltered, or to enjoy clean water or sanitary facilities.
Amartya Sen
“Development as Freedom”

There is no doubt that the only correct way to love the poor will be to struggle for their liberation. Their liberation will consist, first and foremost, in their liberation at the most elementary level – that of their simple, physical life, which is what is at stake in the present situation.
Father Sobrino

God is inflexibly opposed to evil in any form. The root of the downfall and the misfortune of humanity comes from the deliberate opposition to truth, which is the fundamental reality of God and of human beings.
Bishop Juan Jose Gerardi