Resolution on the detention of human rights activists in Zimbabwe

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the detention of certain human rights activists in Zimbabwe on 14 January 2013.

The resolution was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ALDE, Greens/EFA and ECR groups.  

It condemns the continuing harassment and arbitrary arrest of human rights activists, and calls upon Zimbabwe to release them and to act in accordance with Zimbabwe’s international obligations. 

Parliament deplores the absence of a strong human rights clause in the interim European Partnership Agreement concluded with four Eastern and Southern African (ESA) States, including Zimbabwe, repeating that such trade agreements must include binding and non-negotiable human rights clauses. The Commission is urged to make this a priority in the continuing negotiations for a full EPA with the ESA States. Parliament further stresses that the suspension of EU development cooperation under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement should be maintained but that the EU remains committed in its support to the local population.

Members go on to:

• call on Zimbabwe to organise a peaceful and credible constitutional referendum and electoral preparations;
• urge more active participation by the Southern African Development Community (SADC);
• urge the deployment of international observers, in particular from the SADC and Pan-African Parliament during and after the elections;
• call on the EU to keep senior figures in the Zimbabwe Government under constant review with regard to targeted measures currently in place;
• ask the EU delegation in Harare to continue to offer its assistance to Zimbabwe with a view to peaceful and credible elections.