Bothwell Chabarika
The Masvingo Centre for Research and Development (MACRAD) has called for the suspension of contested land displacements in Chiredzi, raising concern over alleged intimidation, forced evictions and violations of community rights.
In a statement issued for immediate release, MACRAD said reports of land-related displacements had raised serious concerns about the protection of communities whose livelihoods, homes, agricultural fields, grazing areas and cultural heritage were tied to ancestral and communal land.
“MACRAD is deeply concerned by reports of land-related displacements, intimidation and alleged violations of the rights of communities in Chiredzi,” the organisation said.
The organisation expressed concern that affected communities could be facing decisions over their land without adequate consultation, meaningful participation or access to clear information about the processes leading to their possible displacement.
MACRAD emphasised that land was more than an economic resource, particularly for rural communities that depended on it for food security, livelihoods, cultural identity and community life.
“Any process that results in the displacement of communities must therefore respect Zimbabwe’s Constitution, relevant laws and internationally recognised human rights standards,” the organisation said.
MACRAD called on government authorities, traditional leaders, local authorities and private actors involved in land allocation and development projects to uphold the fundamental rights of affected communities.
It said residents must receive timely and accessible information about proposed developments affecting their land and be given meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions that could affect their lives.
The organisation warned against treating consultations as a mere formality, arguing that communities should be allowed to raise objections, propose alternatives and have their concerns genuinely considered before irreversible decisions were made.
MACRAD also raised concern over reports of intimidation and pressure against community members, activists and grassroots organisations speaking out on land rights.
“The exercise of constitutionally protected rights, including freedom of expression, assembly, association and petition, must not result in harassment, persecution or retaliation,” it said.
While acknowledging the importance of investment and development in Zimbabwe, MACRAD maintained that economic progress should not come at the expense of vulnerable communities.
“Responsible development should improve people’s lives rather than undermine their access to land, food, shelter and livelihoods,” the organisation said.
It added that where displacement was unavoidable and lawful, affected communities should be meaningfully consulted and provided with fair compensation, appropriate alternative land where necessary, livelihood restoration measures and other safeguards consistent with the law and human rights standards.
MACRAD called for an independent investigation into allegations of unlawful land acquisition, intimidation, rights violations and forced displacement in affected parts of Chiredzi.
It further urged authorities to suspend disputed displacement processes until the legal status of the land and the rights of affected communities had been independently established.
The organisation said any consultations should be transparent, inclusive and properly documented, with women, young people, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups given opportunities to participate.
MACRAD also called for independent assessments to establish the legal status of the affected land, existing occupancy and land rights, and the potential social, economic and environmental consequences of proposed developments.
It warned that interventions affecting agricultural and grazing land could threaten household incomes and food security if adequate livelihood protection measures were not put in place.
The organisation further urged authorities to protect community-based organisations, activists, journalists and human rights defenders working with affected communities from intimidation and persecution.
It recommended the establishment of an accessible and independent complaints mechanism through which residents could challenge decisions and seek remedies without fear of retaliation.
MACRAD said the protection of community rights and the pursuit of development should go hand in hand, urging authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that decisions affecting land were lawful, transparent and respectful of the people whose lives depended on it.