Rumbidzai Mhlanga
Bulawayo-In a call for national unity and collaborative efforts toward peace, Zimbabwe Human Rights (ZimRights) launched its third edition of the State of Peace report for 2023-2024 at the National Arts Gallery in Bulawayo on Tuesday.
The report, titled “The Broken Calabash,” offers a reflection on Zimbabwe’s journey toward peace, focusing on key challenges such as political violence and economic instability and also highlights the role of community-driven initiatives in fostering long-lasting solutions.
Speaking at the launch, national vice-chair, Themba Chiveya emphasised the symbolic importance of the report, describing it as not merely a set of findings, but a powerful reflection on Zimbabwe’s collective peace efforts.
“Fellow advocates for peace, as we commemorate the international day of peace, we launch The Broken Calabash report. This occasion is a moment for reflection, understanding and making new commitments toward peace,” he said.
Chiveya expressed gratitude to ZimRights members, the Peace Action Committees and Zimbabweans who contributed their experiences, noting that their voices form the backbone of the report.He likened the current state of peace to a broken calabash, urging stakeholders to work collaboratively in mending the cracks and restoring the hopes and aspirations of all Zimbabweans.
“The findings highlight significant concerns about political violence and economic instability. Yet, it is crucial to approach these issues with dialogue and reconciliation. By listening to each other with open hearts and minds, we can create a foundation for lasting peace,” he added.
Southern Region Manager Kenneth Magwada provided a deeper insight into the report, stating that it forms part of ZimRights’ Right to Peace campaign, which is one of the organisation’s eight action zones.
“The State of Peace report commenced in 2021and today we are launching its third edition. It is a groundbreaking piece of research on the factors threatening peace in our communities. As ZimRights, which works closely with grassroots communities, we collect and compile the concerns people raise in terms of peace, presenting them through this report,” Magwada said.
He also noted that the report is designed not as an endpoint but as a tool to foster dialogue and generate solutions.
“The State of Peace report is not just a collection of concerns. It is meant to spark conversations and promote lasting solutions for peace in Zimbabwe’s communities,” Magwada highlighted.
In his remarks, ZimRights Regional Council Member, Ishmael Mnkandla reinforced the necessity of recognising peace as a fundamental human right. He linked ZimRights’ Right to Peace Campaign with international frameworks established by the United Nations.
“In 1984, the United Nations recognised that peace is essential for human dignity and well-being. Today, we gather under the Right to Peace Campaign, an initiative aimed at promoting peace and human rights in Zimbabwe,” Mnkandla said.
He went on to detail the campaign’s four key goals, which include promoting peaceful conflict resolution and creating social structures for peace, such as Local Peace Action Committees in several provinces.
“Community empowerment is at the heart of our campaign. The State of Peace Report highlights the importance of grassroots involvement in ensuring peace is not just a dream but a reality for all Zimbabweans,” he added.
The launch of the 2023-2024 State of Peace report marks a continued effort by ZimRights to address the pressing issues threatening peace across Zimbabwe.The report highlights the importance of collective action and community engagement in promoting peaceful resolutions, dialogue and inclusivity, with the hope of creating a brighter and more peaceful future for the nation.
