14 Feb January 2026 Human Rights Report

In January, the Zimbabwe Peace Project recorded 110 human rights violations across Zimbabwe, affecting 3,677 people. Women accounted for 1,721 victims and men 1,956, with 33 persons with disabilities also impacted, highlighting the continued vulnerability of already marginalised groups.

The violations reflected ongoing restrictions on civic space and abuse of authority. Documented cases included threats of violence, assault, unfair distribution of government assistance, and limitations on freedoms of assembly, association, and expression. Additional concerns included unjustified arrests, displacement, property damage, and prolonged detention, all of which continue to undermine citizens’ ability to safely exercise their rights.

Perpetrator analysis shows strong links to political and state-related actors. Ruling party members and supporters were responsible for 45.6% of violations. The Zimbabwe Republic Police accounted for 13.1%, while other state security agents contributed 3.0%. Institutions also featured prominently, with government authorities (5.1%), local authorities (11.4%), and school authorities (8.9%) implicated. Traditional leaders accounted for 10.1%, religious leaders 0.4%, and 2.5% involved unidentified actors.

Violations were recorded nationwide, with the highest numbers in Manicaland (31), followed by Masvingo (19) and Harare (16). Other affected areas included Midlands (13), Mashonaland West (10), Mashonaland East (6), Matabeleland North (5), and Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland South (4 each). Bulawayo recorded 2 violations.

Overall, the data points to persistent structural and institutional challenges in protecting human rights, reinforcing the urgent need for stronger accountability, rights-based governance, and targeted protections for vulnerable communities.