Zim sanctions must stay: Human Rights Watch

CAPE TOWN – Sanctions against Zimbabwe should not be lifted until rights violations end in that country, Human Rights Watch said yesterday, ahead of a meeting between South Africa and the European Union.

Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders called this week for targeted sanctions against President Robert Mugabe and his close allies to be lifted, which the veteran leader has blamed for Zimbabwe’s problems.’The sanctions debate is a red herring since none of them prevent the country from moving forward,’ said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at HRW.’Power sharing will only work when repressive laws are repealed and human rights irreversibly improved. Sanctions must not be lifted until then.’Zimbabwe’s fragile unity government is deadlocked over key political appointments after bringing rivals together in a SADC-mediated deal in February, a year after failed elections which led to political and economic crises.Opposition leader and prime minister in the unity government Morgan Tsvangirai also accuses Mugabe’s party of ongoing intimidation and human rights violations.Zimbabwe has long been a point of difference between the EU and South Africa, Human Rights Watch said, adding the summit at Kleinmond outside Cape Town today offered an opportunity to build a common approach.The activist body urged South Africa and the EU to work together in enhancing human rights, saying their joint efforts could make a difference in the United Nation’s Human Rights Council on justice in global hotspot issues.’Sometimes the EU and South Africa have worked at cross purposes, but when they work together, they have a good track record,’ said Lotte Leicht, EU advocacy director at Human Rights Watch.’Their combined efforts can make a real difference.’Sweden is the current Eu president and Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt will meet President Jacob Zuma ahead of the summit.-Nampa-AFP