By Staff Writer
THE Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has pleaded with the European Union and the United States of America to unconditionally remove sanctions which are causing untold suffering for the nation’s citizens.
The remarks were made to complement the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) solidarity call for the removal of sanctions which President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has continuously blamed as the major barrier to attain the country’s economic development.
The United States and the European Union has however dismissed the allegations arguing that sanctions are just restrictive measures targeting a few unscrupulous elements with no overall economic impact as claimed by the government.
In a statement, ZHRC called for the immediate and unconditional removal of all forms of sanctions on Zimbabwe saying this is the only way which will lead to socio-economic transformation and development.
The commission said the removal of sanctions will not only benefit Zimbabwe but also the SADC region and the African continent at large.
“ZHRC recommends and appeals to the international community to resort in the first instance, to solving differences through constructive engagements rather than imposition of punitive measures which have the effect of infringing on the rights of innocent people and worsening their well- being.
“It is on this call that the commission fully supports the call by the people and government of Zimbabwe, the SADC community, the African Union and many other well- wishers in the global village for the immediate and unconditional removal of sanctions,” ZHRC said.
The commission said it noted with deep concern the catastrophic effects of the economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States, the European Union and its allies.
The ZHRC contends that no matter how grave the human rights situation in any country may be, the imposition of further suffering on innocent citizens through such coercive measures only further worsens the economic situation and the plight of citizens.
The rights organ said sanctions have instead contributed to the increase in human rights violations despite having been implemented to achieve rights observance.
ZHRC described the measures as having a ‘’deleterious effect’’ which is being continuously felt by the general Zimbabwean populace.
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