[WSIS CS-Plenary] Zimbabwe curbs rights groups

[Robert Guerra]

A question to the plenary - in light of this development in Zimbabwe 
and the particular reference to "governance issues", will the 
governance caucus care to comment or issue a press release.

regards

Robert

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4083201.stm

Zimbabwe curbs rights groups


Mugabe has warned against foreign interference
Zimbabwe's parliament has passed a controversial bill which bans 
international human rights groups from working in the country.

  The bill, which also cuts foreign funding to local groups dealing 
with "governance issues", was approved by 48 votes to 28.

  There are fears that hundreds of aid groups will now be forced to shut down.

  Critics of President Robert Mugabe say the legislation is part of 
attempts to muzzle his political opponents.

  The term "issues of governance" is believed to apply to groups 
involved in aiding the interests or activities of a political party.

  Correspondents say up to 10,000 jobs could be lost once the 
Non-Governmental Organisations Bill comes into force.

  The new legislation comes ahead of parliamentary elections due to be 
held in March next year.

  The opposition and human rights groups say it will interfere with 
NGOs' preparations for the vote, since it will require each group to 
re-register with the authorities - a potentially lengthy process.




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Robert Guerra <rguerra at privaterra.org>
Privaterra - <http://www.privaterra.org>