Despite a new unity government in Zimbabwe, human rights violations continue. Zimbabwean security forces continue to target human rights defenders and political activists who call attention to the country’s ongoing crisis. In February 2009, ten activists were arrested after they participated in a peaceful protest. That same month, Roy Bennett, a prominent Movement for Democratic Change politician, was also arrested on what appear to be politically motivated charges.

Meanwhile, the health system remains in ruins. While the cholera epidemic still rages, tuberculosis may soon take its place as a leading cause of death in Zimbabwe. The people of Zimbabwe urgently need food, housing, essential health care, safe drinking water, sanitation and education.

Take Action Now

In two easy steps, you can join people around the world to help ensure the respect of human rights for all Zimbabweans:

Step 1: Please send us photos of you holding a sign saying: “I am a human rights monitor for Zimbabwe.” These photos will be sent to the Zimbabwe government, the US government, the United Nations, and the African Union. They will show decision makers that the world is watching and calling for change in Zimbabwe.

Step 2: Add your name to the petition calling for independent human rights monitors to be deployed to Zimbabwe. These civilian monitors from the United Nations and African Union will help bolster the fragile unity government and ensure the safety of human rights defenders. We will then send the petition and photos to the Chairperson of the African Union, the UN Secretary General, and the US Secretary of State.