Zimbabwe: Agreement should not result in amnesties for human rights violators
| Publisher | Amnesty International |
| Publication Date | 12 September 2008 |
| Cite as | Amnesty International, Zimbabwe: Agreement should not result in amnesties for human rights violators, 12 September 2008, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/48ce1d8b14.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
As the world waits to see the details of the agreement reached by leaders in Zimbabwe to end the political impasse since the March elections, Amnesty International today said the agreement's validity would be seriously compromised if it includes amnesties or pardons that prevent human rights violators being brought to justice, the emergence of the truth, and full reparation to victims.
"Nothing should be agreed that would prevent the full emergence of the truth – and those responsible for the gross human rights violations that took place must be brought to justice," said Simeon Mawanza, Amnesty International's expert on Zimbabwe who recently returned from speaking to victims of violence in the country.
"The victims of human rights violations are demanding justice for the crimes they have suffered – and they deserve no less than that. It will be a great betrayal of these victims if national, regional and international leaders were to support pre-trial amnesties for perpetrators of human rights violations," said Mawanza.
"Zimbabwe has clear obligations under international law – and they must not fail to fulfil those obligations, particularly in this critical point in their history."
"Any durable solution to the crisis in Zimbabwe must have the respect and protection of human rights at its foundation," said Mawanza.
