I am writing out of grave concern for dozens of women who are members of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, Women of Zimbabwe Arise, and the National Constitutional Assembly who have been arrested and detained in often deplorable conditions over the past few weeks.

Despite the peaceful nature of these gatherings, members of the above three organizations have been held in conditions that appear to violate international human rights standards. Some have reported incidents of torture and ill-treatment, resulting in very serious injuries. Others have been denied access to lawyers, medical care, and food. The victims of this abuse have acted in a peaceful and orderly manner, and they fall under the protection of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. The authorities, though, do not seem to recognize this important fact. In addition, their freedom to peacefully gather and express their opinions is protected in the Universal Declaration of Human rights and the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Given the seriousness of these reports, I ask that you begin an investigation into the behavior of the police in these instances. Such a study should not only look into past actions by the police, but also make recommendations to ensure that in the future these officials respect the rights of all Zimbabweans to free assembly and speech, rights guaranteed to them under the Zimbabwe Constitution.

Thank you very much, Mr. Commissioner, for your attention to this important matter, and I look forward to the honor of a response.

Sincerely,