afrol News, 30 April - Article 19 would not sit and wait for the Zimbabwean government to exterminate non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for merely playing their role.

The state-owned broadcaster, Zimbabwe Television, reportedly said the Mugabe-lead government plans to cancel all registration certificates of all NGOs that advocate for a forced regime change in the country.

The freedom of expression watchdog condemned the Zimbabwean government for attempting to violate the country’s human rights obligations under the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, particularly in respect of the right of freedom of expression and the right of freedom of assembly.

”The hundreds of Zimbabwean NGOs perform essential functions not provided for by the State, including humanitarian assistance, food aid and housing, care of orphans and other vulnerable children, as well as providing support for the protection of social, economic and civil rights,” Article 19 said in a statement.

Believing that such a move will deepen the daily suffering of Zimbabweans, especially in the face of the severe socio-economic crisis as well as worsen the country’s human rights credentials, Article 19 therefore urged the ZANU-PF government to desist from moving ahead with the planned cancellation of NGO licences.

By staff writer

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