17 Jun May 2026 Human rights report

The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) documented 140 human rights violations across the country during May, affecting a total of 5350 victims. Among the victims, 2729 were males and 2621 were females. 56 of the victims were persons with disabilities. The nature of the abuses highlights persistent challenges to the enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The violations documented during the month included restrictions on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association, threats of violence, violations of the right to personal security, prolonged detention, and barriers to accessing essential social services. Together, these violations paint a concerning picture of shrinking civic space and the continued vulnerability of citizens seeking to exercise their constitutional rights.

An analysis of perpetrators reveals that political actors and structures linked to political influence remained responsible for the majority of reported violations. ZANU PF members accounted for 29.42% of all perpetrators recorded during the month, followed by unaffiliated actors at 14.71%. Traditional leaders constituted 15.69% of perpetrators, while school authorities accounted for 12.75%. Violations attributed to government actors stood at 6.86% and local councils at 6.86%. Members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) made up 4.90% of the perpetrators of human rights violations, while ordinary people accounted for 5.87%. Suspected state agents represented 1.96% of violations, and CCC supporters recorded the lowest proportion at 0.98%. 

Geographically, violations were recorded across all provinces, demonstrating the nationwide nature of human rights concerns. In the provincial distribution of reported human rights violations, Masvingo recorded the highest number of cases with 31 violations, followed by Manicaland with 23 human rights breaches. Matabeleland South reported 19 violations, while Mashonaland West and Harare recorded 17 and 15 respectively. Mashonaland East accounted for 15 violations, followed by Bulawayo with 8 and Mashonaland Central with 6 violations. The lowest numbers of reported breaches were recorded in Midlands and Matabeleland North, with 3 violations each. 

Beyond documenting violations, this report examines the broader democratic environment surrounding the parliamentary processes on Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 of 2026 (CAB3). Particular attention is given to the findings of the Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and the extent to which the prevailing political and human rights environment may have influenced civic participation.