01 Jan December 2025 Human Rights Update

In December 2025, the Zimbabwe Peace Project recorded 86 human rights violations, marking a decrease in reported cases compared to previous months. However, despite this numerical decline, the nature and impact of violations reveal continued structural challenges affecting the protection of fundamental rights across the country. These violations impacted a total of 1,964 individuals, with a nearly equal gender distribution, 988 women and 976 men, including 15 persons with disabilities, highlighting the continued vulnerability of marginalized groups.

The violations documented during the month spanned a wide range of civil, political, and socio-economic rights. Key concerns included threats to personal security, intimidation, and discrimination, particularly in the distribution of government aid. Reports indicate that access to food assistance and agricultural inputs was often politicised, excluding vulnerable communities based on perceived political affiliation. In addition, restrictions on freedoms of expression, assembly, and association persisted, alongside cases of unjustified arrests, displacement, and limited access to essential social services.

Provincial data shows that violations were most concentrated in Manicaland, which recorded 21 cases. Harare followed with 11 violations, while Masvingo and Mashonaland Central recorded 10 and 9 respectively. Midlands and Matabeleland North each documented 8 cases, Mashonaland East reported 7, and Matabeleland South recorded 5. Mashonaland West had 4 violations, while Bulawayo recorded the lowest number at 3. This distribution reflects both regional disparities and the localized nature of human rights challenges.

In terms of perpetrators, state actors featured prominently. The Zimbabwe Republic Police accounted for the largest share of violations at 26.2%, followed by ruling party supporters at 20.2% and party leaders at 17.6%. Other contributors included local authorities (7.9%), artisanal miners (6.7%), traditional leaders (5.6%), and government agents (4.9%). Members of the Zimbabwe National Army were responsible for 1.9% of violations, while school authorities accounted for 3%. A further 6% of violations were attributed to individuals with no known affiliation. This pattern underscores the continued involvement of both state and non-state actors in rights infringements.

The report also reflects on pathways toward sustainable peace. In this regard, the National Dialogue Conference convened by the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) is highlighted as a positive step, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and continuous dialogue in fostering national unity, reconciliation, and development. Such initiatives signal opportunities for rebuilding trust and strengthening democratic processes.

However, these efforts are undermined by ongoing regressions outlined in the “Ten Steps Backwards” section. Chief among these is the continued politicisation of food aid and agricultural support, which not only violates principles of equality and non-discrimination but also exacerbates food insecurity. By denying vulnerable populations access to essential resources, these practices deepen existing inequalities, intensify humanitarian challenges, and weaken prospects for long-term social cohesion and sustainable peace.

Overall, while December recorded fewer violations, the persistence of systemic issues highlights the urgent need for reforms that promote accountability, protect fundamental freedoms, and ensure equitable access to resources for all Zimbabweans.