Kolawole Olaniyan, Director of Amnesty International’s Africa Program, said:

“The law is a direct attack on human rights in Zimbabwe and should be immediately repealed.”

The Non-governmental Organisations Act (NGO Act) specifically targets organisations that “promote and protect human rights.” It also gives the government sweeping powers to interfere with the operations of any NGO in Zimbabwe through a government-appointed NGO Council.

Under the Act, Zimbabwean NGOs are prohibited from receiving any foreign funding to engage in human rights work.

Kolawole Olaniyan continued:

“Preventing local NGOs from receiving foreign funding for human rights work would effectively mean the end of many vital human rights projects, as there is so little local funding available.

“The Act is a disaster for victims of human rights violations and human rights defenders. It is wholly inconsistent with Zimbabwe’s obligations under international human rights law. We have grave fears that those organizations that have done most to raise awareness of the human rights situation in Zimbabwe will now be targeted for closure.”

Amnesty International believes that the legislation will be applied selectively, as has been the case with other repressive legislation introduced over the last four years. The Media Information Commission, established by the 2002 Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), has already been used to severely repress independent media in Zimbabwe.

Kolawole Olaniyan continued:

“If the NGO Act is enforced across the board, tens of thousands of people being assisted by NGO programs could suffer.

“Reputable and dedicated human rights organisations in Zimbabwe provide vital medical and psychological care, and legal advice, to victims of human rights violations. Most victims have nowhere else to turn in a country where unemployment is above 70 per cent and the health service has been severely eroded.”

The NGO Act replaces the Private Voluntary Organizations (PVO) Act, itself a very repressive law introduced during the colonial period.

On 9 December 2004 the Parliament of Zimbabwe also enacted the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Act and the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act, both of which also contain clauses that violate internationally recognised human rights.

Amnesty International is calling for the immediate repeal of the NGO Act. Any legislation governing the operation of NGOs must be consistent with Zimbabwe’s human rights obligations.