MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the situation in Zimbabwe
5.4.2011
pursuant to Rule 122 of the Rules of Procedure
Véronique De Keyser, Thijs Berman, Michael Cashman, Ana Gomes on behalf of the S&D Group
See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B7-0265/2011
B7‑0271/2011
European Parliament resolution on the situation in Zimbabwe
The European Parliament,
- having regard to its numerous previous resolutions on Zimbabwe, most recently that of 21 October 2010
- having regard to Council Decision 2011/101/CFSP of 15 February 2011 concerning restrictive measures against Zimbabwe
- having regard to Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 27(3) of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 14(2) of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and Articles 7(1)(d) and 7(2)(d) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court,
- having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Zimbabwe has ratified
- having regard to the EU-ACP Partnership Agreement (Cotonou Agreement), signed on 23 June 2000,
- having regard to Rule 122(5) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. Whereas a coalition government was formed in 2009, following power-sharing deal agreed between ZANU-PF and MDC to put an end to the political deadlock and human rights violations after the presidential election run off in 2008,
B. Whereas, although the coalition government deal includes reform of the constitution, respect for human rights and freedom of political activity and reviving the economy, key political reforms are still lacking to create a conducive environment for a new election;
C. Whereas Zimbabwean security forces have intensified harassment , arbitrary arrest of human rights activists and political opponents including MDC officials and supporters in view of an expected early general election
D. Whereas ZANU of youths are violently forcing people to sign a petition against the restrictive measure, which have led to the hospitalization and even the death of some of those refusing to sign
E. Whereas once again Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu, two leaders of the social justice movement Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), are targets of systematic police harassment, whereas Abel Chikomo, Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, is suffering judicial harrassment and whereas there have been recent threats and acts of intimidation against several other members of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum such as ZIMRIGHTSand Students Solidarity Trust which issued an alert in March on missing student activists who were taken by police forces on allegations of mobilising other students to participate in demonstrations against the case of activists charged with treason.
F. Whereas Prime Minister Tsvangirai has called upon SADC to take a leading role in drawing up a roadmap to ensure free and fair elections in Zimbabwe to ensure a credible poll.
G. Whereas despite the fact that on 10 March 2011, the Supreme Court nullified the election of the Mr. Moyo (member of MDC-T) as speaker of the Parliament, he succeeded to be re-elected on 29 March 2011,
1. Condemns the continuing violation of human rights including political intimidation, harassment and arbitrary arrest of human rights activists, women's organisation and political activists,
2. Calls on the government of Zimbabwe to repeal or amend all legislation that is incompatible with international human rights law and standards including the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
3. Is of the view that an early election will not solve outstanding issues of political and economic reform. However considers that any elections must be based on international norms, including respect for human rights, freedom of expression and movement, with an immediate end to harassment, and detention of individuals based on their political views.
4. Welcomes the Communiqué of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation of 31 March calling for an end to the violence, intimidation and hate speech in Zimbabwe and calls for SADC to do its at most in bringing peaceful, fair and transparent solution to the recent escalating political crisis and to pave the way for fair and peaceful democratic transition,
5. Deplores the continuing downward spiral of economic collapse and political oppression, which has deepened the misery of millions of Zimbabweans,
6. Calls on the Zimbabwe government to respect the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights including the right to life and physical integrity, freedom of association and freedom of assembly,
7. Asks the EU Commission to assist the country in the implementation of any agreed process that will establish genuine democratic transition, calls on the HR/VP to increase support for HRDs, making available adequate funding for legal and medical support as well as protection needs
8. Insists that all aid destined for Zimbabwe must be delivered through genuine non-governmental organisations and must reach the people for whom it is intended, with the least possible involvement of the Mugabe regime;
9. Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States, the Zimbabwean Government, Secretary-General of the United Nations, the AU, the SADC Secretary General and the SADC Embassies in Brussels.