“Recover Better – Stand Up for Human Rights”
GALZ celebrates International Human Rights Day in 2020 under the theme “Recover Better – Stand Up for Human Rights. ” This year’s commemorations come at a time where the nation and the world at large are grappling the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating effects. This pandemic has caused loss of life and has entrenched systematic intergenerational and gender inequalities, exclusion and discrimination.
GALZ is deeply concerned over the increase in the number of human rights violations that were recorded during the lockdown period targeting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex communities. The violations are premised on the basis or perceived Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression that included disownment by family members, excommunication from religious institutions, rape , sexual violence and intimate partner violence amongst others. This has led to the denial of fundamental human rights such as the Rights to Religion, Human dignity, Privacy as enshrined in the 2013 Zimbabwean Constitution.
In line with the theme “Recover Better – Stand Up for Human Rights,” GALZ applauds the courageous efforts of Human Rights Defenders and Health Care Providers responding to COVID-19 and standing up for the protection and attainment of human rights for all during this difficult time. GALZ is responding to the fight to end this pandemic through raising awareness, provision of Personal Protective Equipment, psycho-social and nutritional support to vulnerable LGBTI communities.
To Recover Better and stand up for Human Rights, GALZ encourages all survivors of Human Rights violations to report violations to the State and other Civil society actors who serve survivors of violence. We call on the broader Zimbabwean citizenry to opt for non-violent strategies of conflict resolution.
GALZ encourages the State to expedite responses to Human Rights violations that are recorded during epidemics as well as strengthen correctional and psycho – social support services. Whilst much is being done in legal and administrative justice, there is need for more mental health services for both survivors and perpetrators to handle trauma and stressors as well as preventing recurrence of such in future.
COVID-19 pandemic does not only require medical interventions, but a humanitarian and human rights centred approaches in addressing inequalities, ending discrimination, encouraging solidarity and participation of citizens and sustainable development in line with Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals.
“ Recover Better – Stand Up for Human Rights”