Robinson appeals to Mugabe over human rights

The UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights has written to President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, drawing his attention to international concerns over human rights conditions in his country, a UN press release said on Wednesday. “The High Commissioner appealed to President Mugabe to intervene personally to address these concerns with a view to assuring the full exercise of human rights in Zimbabwe,” the statement said.

In a letter delivered to Mugabe last week, Robinson said “numerous persistent representations” had been made to her office about human rights in Zimbabwe. “You, as one who fought for your country’s freedom ... would understand the importance of a free media, including the local independent press, and the freedom of journalists to inform the public,” Robinson said in her letter.

Robinson also made reference to concerns about the independence of the judiciary and appealed to Mugabe to use his “best endeavours for the well-being of the Chief Justice and other judges and magistrates”, the press release said.

“I am fully conscious of the legacy of history that weighs upon nations such as Zimbabwe, and of the need for change and reform,” Robinson said. “But it is imperative to pursue these objectives within the framework of the law and of respect for human rights”.

The statement said that Robinson had previously written to Mugabe about human rights in Zimbabwe. “She remains deeply concerned about the deterioration in the situation and is following it closely with a view to assessing future avenues of action,” the statement added.