20 Oct September 2026 Human rights report

Calling for stronger accountability, protection of civic freedoms and effective responses to intimidation and abuse of authority.

The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) documented 168 human rights violations affecting 2,033 people across Zimbabwe in September 2026. The violations included restrictions on freedom of association and peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and breaches of the rights to personal security and bodily integrity. The findings point to persistent challenges in protecting civic freedoms, ensuring access to rights and safeguarding people against intimidation, discrimination and the abuse of authority.

Harare recorded the highest number of violations, with 41 cases, followed by Masvingo with 27, Mashonaland Central with 26 and Manicaland with 24. Matabeleland South and Mashonaland West each recorded 14 cases, while Midlands recorded 11, Mashonaland East six, Matabeleland North four and Bulawayo one. Violations were documented in all ten provinces, demonstrating that human rights concerns remain widespread, although their reported frequency differed across the country.

Accountability Remains a Key Concern

Local authorities accounted for the largest reported share of perpetrators at 24.43%, followed by ruling party members at 20.61%. Individual perpetrators and those whose affiliations were unidentified accounted for 17.56%. The Zimbabwe Republic Police and school authorities each accounted for 9.92%, while traditional leaders represented 6.87%. Artisanal miners accounted for 3.82%, suspected state security agents and other government agencies each accounted for 3.05%, and students accounted for 0.77%.

The reported involvement of actors across public administration, political structures, law enforcement and educational institutions highlights the importance of strengthening oversight and ensuring that all alleged violations are investigated impartially. Public institutions and individuals exercising authority must respect human rights and be held accountable where abuses occur.

Civic Freedoms and Digital Intimidation Under Scrutiny

In Towards Sustainable Peace in Zimbabwe, ZPP acknowledges the Government of Zimbabwe’s decision to invite Alexandra Xanthaki, the United Nations Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, as a positive opportunity for constructive engagement with international human rights mechanisms. Such engagement can contribute to strengthening human rights protection, promoting dialogue and addressing persistent challenges affecting the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms.

However, as highlighted in Ten Steps Backward, threats and intimidation communicated through unidentified telephone calls, text messages and other digital channels remain a serious concern. These incidents can undermine the work of human rights defenders and other civic actors, restrict public participation and create an environment in which individuals may fear exercising their rights.

Concerns are further compounded when service providers and law enforcement agencies fail to respond effectively to reported threats. Where victims cannot access timely protection, investigation or redress, confidence in accountability mechanisms is weakened and the risk of continued intimidation increases.

From Commitments to Meaningful Action

September’s findings reinforce the need for practical measures that protect civic freedoms and ensure accountability for human rights violations. Relevant authorities should strengthen independent and impartial investigations, improve responses to reported threats, protect human rights defenders and ensure that victims can access effective remedies without fear of reprisal.

Constructive engagement with international human rights mechanisms must also translate into tangible improvements in the protection and fulfilment of rights at community level. Sustainable peace requires more than the absence of open conflict; it depends on institutions that respect human dignity, communities that can participate freely in public affairs, and accessible mechanisms for justice and accountability.

For ZPP, protecting human rights is fundamental to building inclusive and sustainable peace in Zimbabwe. This requires consistent action to prevent violations, address impunity and ensure that every person can exercise their rights freely and safely.