UN Special Rapporteur Clément Voule is in Zimbabwe for a 10-day visit to assess how the country's human rights situation, specifically the rights to "freedom of peaceful assembly and association." As Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare for VOA, Voule's visit takes place at a time when rights groups are worried by a spate of abductions of activists, including most recently the head of a doctor's association.
The visit comes as rights groups protest a spate of abductions targeting activists
Rights lawyers have petitioned the High Court to press President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to release the missing doctor
As Zimbabwe prepares for a state funeral for Robert Mugabe, who died last week in Singapore, opinions of the former leader are mixed in the country he ruled with an iron hand for 37 years. Reporter Columbus Mavhunga went to Mugabe's rural home in Zvimba to find out what people there think about his rule and his legacy.
A hero to some, former President Robert Mugabe was also a controversial figure
The physicians, like many government workers, say the soaring costs of living have made it impossible to meet basic needs
Strikers demand higher pay while patients wait for treatment in public hospitals
Outgoing official calls on the government to engage countries that have imposed sanctions and allow Zimbabwe's citizens to protest peacefully
Government supporters say the sanctions are hurting ordinary people, but critics say it is the government's policies, not sanctions, that are to blame for the poor economy
Zimbabwe rights activists are calling for Western sanctions against the country to remain in place, despite calls this week by the Southern African Development Community for them to be lifted. Government supporters say the sanctions are hurting ordinary people. But critics say government policies, not sanctions, are to blame for the poor economy, and that lifting sanctions would send the wrong message about the country's human rights record. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare.
Protesters say they will continue to demonstrate while the government calls for talks
Zimbabwe's deteriorating economy is forcing many families to put their children to work to put food on the table. Child rights activists say an increasing number of children are selling things on the street to supplement family income. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare for VOA.
Child rights activists say an increasing number of children are selling items on the street to supplement family income
It was a year ago that Zimbabwean soldiers gunned down demonstrators protesting the delayed release of election results. A dozen people were killed, and many of those who were wounded have yet to recover and resume their normal activities. As Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare, some of those victims were even unable to attend an event Thursday organized by Zimbabwe's opposition party, human rights groups and churches to mark shooting anniversary.
At Thursday's event marking the army killings, Zimbabwe's main opposition party said Harare must compensate the injured, as well as the families of those who were killed
Some have asked to live in their places of work to cut down on the cost of rent and transportation
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