18 Mar February Human Rights Report

In February 2026, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) documented 104 human rights violations affecting 3,201 victims. These ranged from severe abuses, including torture, assault, and enforced disappearances, to violations of civil and political rights, such as restrictions on freedoms of assembly, association, and expression, as well as limitations on access to social services. Additional violations included unfair distribution of food aid and government support, incidents of hate speech, unjustified arrests, and displacement. 

Of the 3,201 victims, 1,651 were women, including 24 women with disabilities, while 1,550 were men, including 14 men with disabilities, highlighting the wide-reaching impact of these violations across different groups in society.

The data gathered in February showed that state institutions and ruling party actors were responsible for the majority of human rights violations, reflecting the politicisation of power and its impact on citizens’ rights. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) accounted for 21.12% of violations, while ZANU PF members contributed 35.46% , largely through political intimidation, coercion, and interference with freedoms of assembly, association, and expression. Local councils were implicated in 15.14% of cases, and school authorities in 11.55%, often exerting control over civic and community spaces. Traditional leaders were responsible for 6.37%, with other government officials and suspected state agents each accounting for 3.59%, other actors 1.99%, and the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) 1.20%. 1.99% of the perpetrators had no known affiliation. The data highlights the systemic role of both state and politically affiliated actors in perpetrating human rights violations, raising concerns about institutional accountability, protection of personal security, and the right to freely participate in political and civic life.

In February, human rights violations were most concentrated in Harare (30 violations), followed by Manicaland (17) and Matabeleland North (16), reflecting heightened political activity and civic engagement in these areas. Masvingo recorded 11 violations, Mashonaland East 8, Mashonaland Central (6) and Mashonaland West (7), Bulawayo and Midlands 4 each, and Matabeleland South 1. The pattern indicates that urban centres and politically contested provinces are more prone to violations, often linked to political and civic activities, while rural regions report fewer incidents, highlighting the need for targeted monitoring and protection of rights in high-risk areas.

In our analysis of efforts to promote sustainable peace in Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) commends Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations for calling for the protection of Constitutional and democratic values.  However, ZPP also decries the persistent violence, intimidation, and denial of fundamental freedoms that have accompanied the amendment process, as highlighted in the “Ten Steps Backwards” section, where politically motivated assaults, restrictions on assembly, and interference by state and party actors undermine both public confidence and the principles of sustainable peace.