14 Aug July 2026 Human Rights Report

In July 2026, the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) documented 132 human rights violations across Zimbabwe, affecting 2,585 people, including 10 persons with disabilities. Women accounted for 1,363 victims, compared to 1,222 men, highlighting the continued gendered impact of rights violations. The violations reflected a growing pattern of harassment, intimidation, political violence, restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and association, and breaches of political rights and human dignity.

Manicaland recorded the highest number of violations (26), followed by Mashonaland Central (19), Mashonaland East (17), Masvingo (15), Harare (13), Midlands (11), Matabeleland South (10), Mashonaland West (9), and Matabeleland North (7) and Bulawayo (5). The geographic spread demonstrates that violations were not isolated but occurred across the country, with political and civic freedoms particularly under pressure.

ZANU PF members were identified as the largest category of perpetrators, accounting for 37.50%, followed by unaffiliated individuals at 18.76%. Other perpetrators included the Zimbabwe Republic Police (11.46%), traditional leaders (10.42%), local authorities (8.33%), government officials (5.21%), State security agents (4.17%) and school authorities (4.17%). The continued involvement of political actors, State institutions and traditional structures in reported violations raises concerns about the politicisation of public institutions and the shrinking space for citizens to exercise their rights freely.

Under “Towards Sustainable Peace in Zimbabwe,” ZPP commends the Church and its partners for reaffirming the importance of peaceful, lawful and informed civic engagement in constitutional and governance processes. However, under “Ten Steps Backwards,” ZPP raises concern over the regression in civic freedoms, particularly the growing restrictions on expression, assembly and political participation. 

ZPP therefore calls for urgent reforms to protect civic freedoms, strengthen accountability, end politically motivated intimidation and ensure that citizens can participate in public affairs without fear, coercion or discrimination.