HC Deb 28 November 2001 vol 375 cc991-2W
Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on evidence he has received concerning attacks on opposition MDC (Movement for Democratic Change) supporters in Zimbabwe; and what implications this has for free and fair presidential elections in 2002. [18088]

Mr. Bradshaw

The most recent reports we have of such incidents concern attacks on opposition MDC supporters by war veterans and ZANU (PF) activists in Bulawayo during the weekend of 17–18 November. MDC supporters are also reported to have retaliated. We condemn such politically motivated violence from whatever quarter, and continue to urge the Government of Zimbabwe to take immediate action to prevent further incidents which threaten to undermine the conduct of free and fair presidential elections in 2002.

Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish evidence he has received indicating violations of human rights by Government Ministers in Zimbabwe. [18089]

Mr. Bradshaw

We have received a number of reports compiled by non-governmental organisations of alleged human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. The most recent is a report by the Human Rights Forum a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. We regularly raise our concern about human rights in Zimbabwe with the Government of Zimbabwe.

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