Government dismissed criticisms of human rights record

The Zimbabwean government has described a report criticising its human rights record as “utter rubbish.” Foreign Minister Stan Mudenge told the official ‘Herald’ newspaper: “This is ridiculous and utter rubbish. The report was prepared by young toddlers trying to come to grips with important international relations.” The report, ‘Reinventing the Commonwealth’, by the London-based Foreign Policy Centre, said the time had come for the Commonwealth to take a stronger stance on issues of good governance. It said the organisation needed to “go deeper on democracy” and work with governments to promote good practice. The report by the Labour Party-linked group, proposed that a Commonwealth good governance commissioner be appointed to act as a “catalyst for a democratic Commonwealth.” It recommended that governments draw up annual reports and action plans. The proposed commission would then monitor progress. “The Commonwealth needs to ensure that those countries which aren’t moving forward are given the help they need, and that they are sincere in their efforts.” In specific reference to Zimbabwe, the report said only that the country should be asked to “improve its approach to freedom of association.” Elsewhere in Southern Africa, it said Zambia should be asked to produce a concrete timetable for elections “which all sides agree are fair.”