Zimbabwe just hit civil rights groups with tough new rules. President Mnangagwa approved a law Friday that limits freedom for many organizations. The Private Voluntary Organisations Act creates special offices to control these groups. It stops them from supporting any political parties during elections. Government officials can now suspend organization leaders whenever they claim public interest demands it.
Rights defenders warn that these targets are groups that criticize the government. Amnesty International fears officials will block human rights organizations from operating legally. United Nations experts previously said these restrictions violate international standards for freedom of association. The European Union showed its disapproval by canceling funding for Zimbabwe governance projects planned for next year. EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann noted the law makes bad governance trends even worse.
The government has already used earlier versions of this law against almost 300 organizations. They stripped official status from 291 groups back in 2023. The current version expands who falls under these rules to include trusts, legal persons, and beneficial owners. The law first appeared in 2021 but failed to pass two years later. This stronger version gives authorities more power to silence critics.
Rights defenders warn that these targets are groups that criticize the government. Amnesty International fears officials will block human rights organizations from operating legally. United Nations experts previously said these restrictions violate international standards for freedom of association. The European Union showed its disapproval by canceling funding for Zimbabwe governance projects planned for next year. EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann noted the law makes bad governance trends even worse.
The government has already used earlier versions of this law against almost 300 organizations. They stripped official status from 291 groups back in 2023. The current version expands who falls under these rules to include trusts, legal persons, and beneficial owners. The law first appeared in 2021 but failed to pass two years later. This stronger version gives authorities more power to silence critics.
