OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell, speaking to journalists in Geneva, expressed concern over allegations suggesting that Zimbabwean authorities may be using the COVID-19 crisis as a pretext to stifle freedom of expression and peaceful assembly on the streets.<\/p>\n
Targeting health workers<\/p>\n
Amid a deteriorating economy, she said it was clear that COVID-19 has added greatly to the challenges Zimbabwe faces, and placed a further burden on an already struggling health sector.<\/p>\n
She said the human rights office was concerned over reports of \u201cpolice using force to disperse and arrest nurses and health workers\u201d, for breaching lockdown restrictions while simply \u201ctrying to protest for better salaries and conditions of work\u201d.<\/p>\n
According to OHCHR, on Tuesday, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, highlighted an increase of 600 COVID-19 cases in a week \u2013 to a total of 1,713 \u2013 and announced a series of measures that he said were necessary to curb the spread of the disease.<\/p>\n
These include a dusk to dawn curfew and the curtailment and suspension of freedoms that, as he put it, Zimbabweans \u201chave always enjoyed\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile recognizing the Government\u2019s efforts to contain the pandemic\u201d, the OHCHR spokesperson said \u201cit is important to remind the authorities that any lockdown measures and restrictions should be necessary, proportionate and time-limited, and enforced humanely without resorting to unnecessary or excessive force\u201d.<\/p>\n
\n?? #COVID19<\/a> should not be used to clamp down on fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression & right to peaceful assembly. We remind #Zimbabwe<\/a> that any lockdown measures & restrictions should be necessary, proportionate, time-limited. Learn more: https:\/\/t.co\/WvwmYmZSfc<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/eqeo2iZVNc<\/a><\/p>\n
— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) July 24, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n