Minute on Zimbabwe

WCC Central Committee, Geneva, 26 August-2 September, 2003

The present socio-economic and political crisis in Zimbabwe is a serious challenge
to the churches in the country and a matter of concern to the wider ecumenical
family. The challenges faced by the people and churches in Zimbabwe
are multifaceted and complex. The “fast track” land resettlement programme
implemented by the government of Zimbabwe over the last two years has led to
serious human rights violations. The process of resettlement is carried out in a
manner that has circumvented legal procedures and created an air of uncertainty
amongst the people, particularly the new settlers. The disruption caused to the
commercial agricultural sector by “fast track” resettlement has endangered food
security. The government’s handling of the situation through recourse to violence
and introduction of contentious legislative measures has compounded the crisis,
isolating the country and bringing it to the brink of ruin.

We share the pain and suffering of the people of Zimbabwe as a result of escalating
violence and repression of fundamental human rights by the state and groups
encouraged and supported by the government. The violence, intimidation, unlawful
arrest and torture perpetrated by the police, ruling party militia and other
state agents must come to an end. We particularly deplore actions of the government
to introduce new laws and amend existing laws with intention to clamp
down on political opponents, human rights defenders, representatives of trade
unions, students, teachers, lawyers, and jurists. We express solidarity with the
churches of Zimbabwe as they witness to the challenge of the present crisis, and
affirm the Executive Committee Statement from September 2001.

We urge member churches of the WCC to condemn acts of violence. We encourage
the Zimbabwe Council of Churches as they strive to increase their efforts to
seek a peaceful resolution of the conflict between the government and the oppo-
sition in the country in order that they may together address the basic grievances
of the people.

We call on the General Secretary, the Africa Peace Monitoring Group and the
Commission of Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches
to:

• continue their support of the churches to seek a peaceful resolution of the conflict,
restore the rule of law and put an end to arbitrary arrests, torture and
killings;

• support and encourage the efforts of the Zimbabwe churches to work towards
constitutional reforms that reflect the aspirations of the people on the principles
of good governance, rule of law and democratic norms;

• support and encourage the initiatives of Zimbabwe churches to redress the
inequities of land distribution;

• provide a platform to the churches of Zimbabwe for a comprehensive, inclusive
and coordinated ecumenical accompaniment to facilitate sharing and
exchange of information and analysis, and to undertake advocacy for peaceful
resolution of the conflict.