Global "Save Zimbabwe" Campaign Launched
www.zimbabwenews.org
Embargo: Immediate July 8, 2002
AN INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN, "Save Zimbabwe", has been launched to restore human rights and democracy to Zimbabwe.
Launched with the support of the Movement for Democratic Change and its leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, the campaign calls for fresh Presidential Elections, under international supervision, as a matter of urgency following global condemnation of Zimbabwe's recent presidential elections. These saw Robert Mugabe returned to power on the back of widespread vote rigging, and sustained, violent intimidation of opposition supporters and candidates.
The campaign also calls for immediate restoration of freedom of speech, with suspension of the recent legislation making it illegal to criticise the President.
The campaign is also committed to the suspension of the Zimbabwe government' s disastrous fast-track programme, which has resulted in the loss of livelihood for almost one million black farm workers and their dependants, and the return to the orderly land reform programme as agreed by all stakeholders at the 1998 Land Conference, of which Zimbabwe was a signatory.
Recent estimates indicate the likelihood of some six million Zimbabweans requiring food aid this year, as the economy implodes, communities are devastated, and with starvation threatening, farm workers and their families become refugees from hunger, with economic migrancy posing increasing pressures on the borders of neighbouring nations.
Calling for urgent international pressure to be brought on the Zimbabwe Government, Mr Tsvangirai said:
"There is so little time now. Zimbabwe was once a proud and prosperous country. The policies of this Government have shattered the economy and crippled food production. Soon it will be too late to reverse the damage; all investment will have stopped and the destruction will be beyond repair.
"We are a country blessed by nature, but cursed by fate. Our people are resilient, hard working and able. Nature has given us rich and fertile lands. But we have been cursed with a government whose incompetence is matched only by its cynical manipulation of our democratic processes.
"This country can still be saved, the economy restored, farms returned to production, food, employment and dignity restored to the lives of our people. But the clock is ticking. Soon it will strike midnight, and there will be nothing left to restore".
Mr Tsvangirai said that Zimbabwe's denial of human rights, and the scandal of its recent election harmed not only itself but the entire continent of Africa:
"When we talk of NEPAD, what credibility can Africa have in the eyes of the world community when a rogue rule in Zimbabwe flouts all international expectations of justice, human rights and democracy?"
The campaign will target a broad range of audiences, including the Organisation of African Unity, the Commonwealth, The United Nations, the European Union and Washington, as well as seeking support among leading global aid agencies, NGOs and human rights organisations.
International Public Affairs consultants, Chelgate Ltd will be providing global direction for the programme, working with its offices and affiliates around the world.
Chelgate Chairman, Terence Fane-Saunders said:
"This is a campaign of enormous significance and we are delighted to have the opportunity to play our part. We recognise that it will not be easy .The restrictions on free speech in Zimbabwe, and the treason charges levelled at opponents of the Government create real dangers and difficulties for the MDC in mounting this kind of global campaign.
An online Press Room for the campaign has been set up at www.zimbabwenews.org
- ENDS -
Issued by Chelgate Ltd On behalf of the Save Zimbabwe Campaign
For Further Information please contact Terence Fane-Saunders on: 0044 (0) 20 7939 7939
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