UK Urges ED To Deal With Human Rights Violations, Systemic Corruption

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting the crisis-hit administration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, but on the condition that Harare put an end to egregious human rights violations and corruption.

UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe Melanie Robison said this on Wednesday as Mnangagwa marked two years in office following his narrow and controversial win in the 2018 presidential election. Said Robinson:

Two years ago, President Mnangagwa made important commitments to reform. We’ve regularly called for these promises to be delivered on. But human rights violations and systematic corruption continue. We again urge respect for the constitution and action reform.

Stopping human rights violations, tackling corruption without fear or favour and reaching out across divides remain the best way to unlock Zimbabwe’s potential and help secure a better future for all. The UK stands ready to support.

The Zimbabwean government has come under scrutiny in recent months following a crackdown on peaceful protestors, with some opposition activists abducted and tortured.

Investigative journalists who have exposed government corruption have been targeted as well, with human rights lawyers harassed for doing their job.

More: NewZimbabwe.com