Government policies in Zimbabwe are worsening the country’s economic crisis, causing immense hardship to those less
well-off, and crushing the human rights of those who dare complain, a group of UN experts* has warned.
“We are gravely concerned that, as the situation in Zimbabwe deteriorates, the Government is pushing people further into
poverty,” the experts said.
“We are not aware of any Government measures to provide even minimal safety nets for those who are already living on an
economic cliff-edge and who will suffer the most from these regressive policies.
“The impact of economic reforms on human rights must be assessed against international norms and standards, in line with
the Guiding Principles, on human rights impact assessments of economic reforms” they said.
The Government of Zimbabwe has expressed its intention to cut its fiscal deficit by half in 2019, in response to a crisis fuelled by decades of poor economic governance.
However, there are serious concerns about how the burdens of austerity will be shared.
While the elite are largely protected from financial harm, those living in or near poverty are bearing the brunt of
major price rises, increasingly tight monetary policies, and regressive tax measures announced in the latest budget.
On 12 January 2019, Zimbabwe’s President announced a massive increase in the cost of fuel. Petrol prices more than
doubled, and are now the most expensive in the world. Food prices and fares for public transport have since doubled.
Leading human rights organisations have warned of “an increasing risk of a humanitarian crisis”. Zimbabwe ranks 107th out of 119 countries on the Global Hunger Index,
with 72 per cent of the population living below the poverty line. The World Food Program also estimates that more than
2.4 million people will face food insecurity in 2019. Access to basic water and sanitation services has declined over
the last 15 years, with more than 60% of the population lacking access to sanitation services by 2015.
Protests against the fuel price increases have been met with a crackdown by the National Army and police, described as
“excessive” and “disproportionate” by international observers. The experts have received allegations that 17 people have been killed, approximately 1,000 people arrested, with some
beaten and assaulted in custody, and others subjected to gender-based violence, rape and abductions.
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission has also reported systematic torture and indiscriminate, severe beatings, including of children.
“Credible reports of a disproportionate crackdown on protesters expressing legitimate concerns indicate the Government
is shutting down debate and doubling down on its troubling policies,” the UN experts said.
As a State Party to the International Human Rights Covenants, Zimbabwe has pledged to respect, protect and fulfil human
rights. In relation to the rights to work, social security, an adequate standard of living, education and health, the
Government has a legal obligation to mobilize the maximum of its available resources and to protect the most vulnerable
and disadvantaged of its citizens.