S2 E13: An analysis of the deteriorating human rights situation in Zimbabwe

<p>In conversation with Mr Brian Kagoro</p> <p>The continuing systemic human rights violations in Zimbabwe have brought the country under spotlight for the wrong reasons. There seems to be a continual shrinking space for democratic participation in the country. In July 2020, award winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono was detained and arrested on charges of inciting public violence after exposing alleged government corruption involving <a href='https://www.chr.up.ac.za/covid-19'>COVID-19</a> funds. This is a common phenomenon that continues to find space as many political opposition activists have been detained, abducted and arrested at the hands of a government that misuses the criminal justice system to intimidate and persecute journalists and activists.</p> <p>In this episode, Mr Brian Kagoro, a Zimbabwean lawyer, gives a historical background of how the legacy of colonial violations have continued to soar post-independence under the Mugabe and Mnangagwa regime.  He discusses the nexus between political instability and the alleged human rights violations in Zimbabwe and how this is mirrored in other African countries. Furthermore, this episode gives an insight of how human rights mechanisms at regional and international level can provide remedies to address human rights violations in Zimbabwe. This information- packed episode also talks about how the results of quiet diplomacy perpetuate the suffering of the common Zimbabwean folk.</p> <p>Mr Brian Kagoro is a Zimbabwean citizen, Pan-Africanist and a constitutional and economic relations lawyer. He played an instrumental role in the formation of <a href='https://www.pindula.co.zw/index.php?title=Crisis_in_Zimbabwe_Coalition&action=edit&redlink=1'>Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition</a> and has served as a consultant for regional organisations such as the <a href='https://au.int/en/commission'>African Union Commission</a>, the <a href='https://www.nepad.org/'>New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD)</a> and the <a href='https://www.uneca.org/'>United Natio