MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Zimbabwe, the case of human rights defender Itai Dzamara

19.5.2015 - (2015/2710(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 135 of the Rules of Procedure

Cristian Dan Preda, Michael Gahler, David McAllister, Claude Rolin, Bogdan Brunon Wenta, Jiří Pospíšil, Marijana Petir, Davor Ivo Stier, Therese Comodini Cachia, Andrej Plenković, Csaba Sógor, Franck Proust, Giovanni La Via, Tomáš Zdechovský, Eduard Kukan, József Nagy, Ivan Štefanec, Tunne Kelam, Monica Macovei, Pavel Svoboda, Jeroen Lenaers, Dubravka Šuica, Michaela Šojdrová, Jaromír Štětina, Brian Hayes, Roberta Metsola, Ramona Nicole Mănescu, Tadeusz Zwiefka, Elisabetta Gardini on behalf of the PPE Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B8-0465/2015

B8‑0474/2015

European Parliament resolution on Zimbabwe, the case of human rights defender Itai Dzamara

(2015/2710(RSP))

The European Parliament,

 

- having regard to its previous resolutions on Zimbabwe, notably that of 7 February 2013,

 

- having regard to the Local EU Statements on the abduction of Itai Dzamare of 9 April 2015 and 11 March 2015,

 

- having regard to the Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU of 19 February 2014 on the review of EU-Zimbabwe relations,

 

- having regard to the statement by the spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) of 18 January 2013 on recent attacks on human rights defenders ahead of elections,

 

- having regard to the Global Political Agreement signed in 2008 by the three main political parties, namely ZANU PF, MDC-T and MDC;

 

- having regard to the Council of the European Union conclusions of 23 July 2012 on Zimbabwe and to Council Implementing Decision 2012/124/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Zimbabwe,

 

- having regard to the African Charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights of June 1981, which Zimbabwe has ratified,

 

- having regard to the Cotonou Agreement,

 

- having regard to Rule 135 of its Rules of Procedure,

 

A. whereas on 9 March 2015, Itai Dzamara, a prominent Zimbabwean human rights activist, leader of Occupy Africa Unity Square movement and dissident of President Mugabe, was reportedly abducted by five unidentified armed men in the suburbs of Harare; whereas to date, his whereabouts remain unknown and serious concern is raised for his safety and the protection of his rights;

 

B. whereas in the months prior to his abduction, Mr Dzamara had led a number of peaceful protests against the deteriorating political and economic situation in Zimbabwe; whereas two days before, Dzamara addressed a political rally organized by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T), calling for mass protests against the worsening repression and economic situation in the country;

 

C. whereas until now, the government has remained silent on Mr Dzamara's disappearance, which has raised suspicion among public opinion that the State might be responsible; whereas the Zimbabwean authorities have continuously denied their involvement;

 

D. whereas a High Court judgement of 13 March ordered the Zimbabwean authorities to mount a search for Mr Dzamara and report progress to the Court every two weeks until his whereabouts are determined;

 

E. whereas the current situation in Zimbabwe with regard to human rights, and democracy is worsening, and harassment and human rights abuses against human rights defenders, journalists and members of civil society in Zimbabwe is continuously reported;

 

F. whereas freedom of assembly, association and expression are essential components of any democracy;

 

G. whereas in February 2015 the EU resumed its aid to Zimbabwe and decided to suspend the regime of sanctions that has been in place for 12 years with the exception of the arms embargo and measures targeting individuals;

 

1. Strongly condemns the forced disappearance of human rights defender Itai Dzamara and calls for his immediate and unconditional release;

 

2. Urges the government of Zimbabwe to take all necessary measures to find Mr Dzamara and bring all those responsible to justice; calls on the government to fully comply with the High Court Order directing them to search for Mr Dzamara;

 

3. Is deeply concerned by reports of human rights organisations of increasing political violence and harassment of political opposition, as well as the severe restrictions and intimidations faced by human rights defenders who are often beaten by the police and arrested on false charges; regrets that since the last elections, and the adoption of the new Constitution in 2013, little progress has been made with regard to the rule of law and in particular towards reforming the human rights environment;

 

4. Urges the Zimbabwean authorities to investigate allegations of excessive use of force and other human rights abuses by police and state officials, and hold them accountable;

 

5. Calls upon the authorities of Zimbabwe to implement the provisions of the UN Declaration on Human Rights, the African Charter of Human and Peoples' Rights and and regional human rights instruments ratified by Zimbabwe;

 

6. Recalls that under the Global Political Agreement (GPA), Zimbabwe committed to ensuring that both its legislation and its procedures and practices are in accordance with international human rights principles and laws, including the freedom of assembly, association and expression;

 

7. Notes the lifting of sanctions decided by the EU and supports the targeted measures that currently remain in place against the President and his wife, as well as the arms embargo, which are a response to the political and human rights situation in Zimbabwe;

 

8. Instructs its President to forward this Resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and the parliaments of the Member States, the EEAS, the Government and Parliament of Zimbabwe, the governments of the South African Development Community.