THE Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) has called for immediate action to address the country’s peace deficit, urging the government to implement reforms that guarantee equal protection under the law.
In a statement commemorating the International Day of Peace 2025, ZimRight called on citizens to harness their collective power.
The International Day of Peace was held under the theme Act Now for a Peaceful World.
According to ZimRights, the Global Peace Index (GPI), which provides a sobering snapshot of global peace measuring indicators like violent crime, political instability, organised violence and unresolved conflicts, ranks Zimbabwe lowly on number 121 out of 163 countries with a score of 2.396.
“This is confirmed in the 2025 State of Peace Report, where Zimbabwe faces a profound crisis, where pervasive violence and economic despair have shattered public safety and trust.
“Only 44,2% of citizens feel secure in their communities, with a staggering 71,2% exposed to violence in the past year, primarily social (51,1%) and political (33,1%) in nature.
“This instability is fuelled by extreme economic hardship, including rampant unemployment (67,9%) and high inflation (79,1%), which 62,6% link directly to lack of positive peace.”
ZimRights said compounding this was a crippling erosion of institutional trust, with only 17,9% confident in law enforcement amid widespread suppression of freedoms where nearly 60% feel unsafe exercising their basic freedoms.
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“ZimRights calls for immediate action to address Zimbabwe’s peace deficit. We urge the government to implement reforms that guarantee equal protection under the law, restore civic trust and expand civic space for the exercise of fundamental rights,” the association said.
Since 2021, ZimRights has been leading the charge in advocating for peace as a fundamental human right through its Right to Peace Action Zone.
“Globally, we stand in solidarity with communities advocating for peace in the face of conflict and oppression.
“The theme Act Now for a Peaceful World challenges us to move from rhetoric to action — reforming institutions, addressing inequalities, and fostering dialogue to resolve conflicts,” ZimRights said.
The rights defenders said seven in 10 of Zimbabweans witnessed violence and over half felt unsafe in their own neighbourhoods hence the urgent need for peace.
They called on the government to create a policy that closes the gap left by the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission by creating a coherent, independent and permanent peace infrastructure, trusted by citizens.
“Guarantee the independence of the police, Judiciary, the ZICC [Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission] and other commissions so that they serve all citizens impartially.
“Address past and ongoing violations, including Gukurahundi, through truth-telling, accountability and reparations.
“Ensure freedoms of expression, assembly, and association, and allow communities to participate meaningfully in shaping their peace.”
ZimRights also called on the government to reduce corruption, ensure fair resource distribution and integrate peace objectives into national development planning.
