Zimbabwe -- Commission collects data on rights abuses

Zimbabwe Independent ^ | January 31, 2003 | Blessing Zulu

[Clive]

THERE may be a glimmer of hope for Zimbabwe's ever- growing list of victims of politically-motivated human rights abuses, the Zimbabwe Independent has learnt.

The London-based Accountability Commission - Zimbabwe project, an organisation launched recently, has started to gather information on human rights violations with a view to setting up a special court to try perpetrators of violence. Rwanda and Sierra Leone have similar courts.

The commission wants to see justice meted out to those found guilty of crimes of torture and violence, which have been allowed to go unpunished. The commission comprises local and international human rights lawyers.

"The great strides being made towards universal jurisdiction mean the closing of loopholes for flagrant abusers of human rights is around the corner," said David Banks, speaking in London on behalf of the commission.

The commission is appealing to witnesses to come forward with details of incidents of politically-motivated murder, torture, rape and beatings. It then aims to prepare dossiers with a view to opening dockets.

"We are building up files of evidence, person by person, on the illegal activities that individuals have been involved in but where no charges have been brought in the present environment of impunity," said Banks.

"We also hope to develop as detailed knowledge of their personal details and crimes that have been committed.

"The Accountability Commission is a results-driven organisation.

Ourmandate is to build up evidence against individuals instead of institutions or state bodies. In the past there has been a tendency for perpetrators to hide behind their employers," he said.

"Following the South African experience, the Accountability Commission does not believe a Truth and Reconciliation approach should be seen as a blueprint for Zimbabwe," Banks said.

"In order for the justice system to be resuscitated people need to see that criminals are made to pay the price for their deeds."

[Clive]

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[happygrl]

This is a critical step for Zimbabweans.

The elites in charge will have to know that their actions are being documented. The case against many of them goes back to the Matabeland massacres. They may be able to bug out to South Africa when their government falls, but they will have to live with the fact that should they leave, they may be arrested.

Or they may be considered not worth the bother to South Africa should their extradition be requested.

One can hope.

[Clive]

Agreed.

It would be good to see a long overdue accounting for the Gukurahundi.

And what is going on now, if it is not stopped, will produce a butcher's bill that will far exceed that of the Gukurahundi.

Slower, but more lethal in the long run.