Solidarity Center Condemns Attacks Against the Zimbabwe Trade Union Congress

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

The escalating attacks against unions and civil society organizations in Zimbabwe were condemned Friday by the Solidarity Center after government security forces raided the headquarters of the Zimbabwe Trade Union Congress (ZCTU) and beat and arrested opposition leaders during a peaceful march and prayer vigil last week. “Workers are marching to protest the violation of their fundamental human rights,” said Ellie Larson, Executive Director of the Solidarity Center. “With 1,700% inflation, workers are desperate to provide food and shelter for their families. The ZCTU represents these workers and is seeking a peaceful dialogue with the Zimbabwe government.” On Sunday, March 11, the ZCTU, the Movement for Democratic Change and other democratic civil society organizations, were severely beaten and arrested when they tried to attend a prayer vigil in a Harare township.  One youth activist was killed. On March 13, police and national security officers ransacked the headquarters of the ZCTU.  Three ZCTU staff members were assaulted and another arrested. And just yesterday, the spokesman for the Movement for Democratic Change was severely beaten by government security forces. The attacks come at a time when the ZCTU has been in discussions with the country’s Labor Minister and other government officials to find solutions to the increasing economic crisis. “The Zimbabwe Government needs to respect fundamental worker and human rights in their country,” said Larson.  “We call on the government to end the use of arrests and excessive force to silence the ZCTU and other opposition organizations.”