|
|
|
Menu
Links
About Coventry |
ResolutionsWe'll keep you informed of the voting at General Assembly 2005 by updating this page with the results as they come in. You can read the contents of the resolutions being debated this year by clicking on the links below:
Resolution 53 (Carried)
General Assembly resolves: Resolution 54 (Carried)
The Solidarity Peace Trust[1], a non-governmental organisation, registered in South Africa, produced on the 27th June an interim report on the ‘Zimbabwean government’s “urban cleansing” and forced eviction campaign “Operation Murambatsvina”’ which amongst other things in its detailed analysis of the situation described as follows: On 19 May 2005, the Government of Zimbabwe began an operation labelled “Operation Murambatsvina” (OM). While the Government has translated this to mean “Operation Clean-up”, or “Operation Restore Order”, the more literal translation of “Murambatsvina” is “Drive out the Filth”. To date “Murambatsvina” has resulted in an estimated 300,000 displacements of civilians in urban areas countrywide, with mass loss of livelihoods and property.[2] It has also resulted in the deaths of two babies, crushed to death in their own homes under the relentless shovels of bulldozers. It is hard to estimate the numbers of old and ill who have died prematurely of exposure, sleeping in the open since the demolition of their shelters: these people may have been about to die in any case, but have suffered hastened and ignominious deaths in cold winter rubble and the heartache of razed suburbs. The deliberate destruction of homes in a nation that already faces a most terrible winter of unemployment, hunger and collapsing resources, is nothing short of wicked. Zimbabwe has become a nation of internally displaced people, where its own citizens are refugees within the borders of what should be their home. The international community should be holding ZANU PF accountable for these terrible actions. The Co-Chair of the Solidarity Peace Trust, Bishop Rubin Phillip, Anglican Bishop of Natal, writing to the people of Zimbabwe stated: It is with a mixture of deep sadness and anger that I write this message of solidarity to you at this time of your national pain and suffering. Anger at the inhumanity and brutality of the police and security forces in destroying the homes and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people across Zimbabwe, and sadness at the indifference and lack of concern of a regime that appears increasingly bent on willful violence and destruction. I am also greatly saddened by the lack of a decisive response from our government in South Africa and other SADC governments to these gross violations of people’s socio-economic and human rights, and to the low exposure given to these atrocities in our national media (particularly the SABC). Our prayer for you at this time is that God will strengthen and protect you and grant you great courage and fortitude in your struggle for your freedom and dignity as the people of God created in His image and likeness. We also pledge our on-going prayer and solidarity with you in this struggle, and our support in helping to mobilize resources for those affected by the ‘tsunami’ which has hit Zimbabwe. This tsunami is not as a result of a convulsion of nature, but is a result of the convulsions of an evil and despotic regime which no longer has the interests of its people at heart, and therefore must be resisted by every freedom loving person in Zimbabwe. Against this background and the information we have received in recent weeks in many other reports the Ecumenical and Church & Society Committees propose the following: Meeting here in General Assembly, mindful of our church and Commitment for Life partners in Zimbabwe and the continuing deteriorating situation in there, we pause from our business
We further suggest that as a sign of our commitment to continue working with our partners till justice prevails in Zimbabwe and across the world, we · Stand for a minute in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe and all peoples whose internationally agreed rights are infringed and abused by the actions of their own governments, and · Offer prayers for the people of Zimbabwe both here and in our churches back home. [1] The Trustees of the Solidarity Peace Trust are church leaders of Southern Africa, who are all committed to human rights, freedom and democracy in their region. [2] Figures vary and there is no clear way of assessing them and evictions continue to date. ZimRights estimated the displaced in Harare to be over 200,000 by early June, since when evictions have continued; in Victoria Falls a further 20,000 at least were displaced; in Bulawayo around 10,000 to date; in Beitbridge, Masvingo, Mutare, Kariba, Kwekwe, Gweru and elsewhere, figures remain unascertained but run to tens of thousands. The International Organisation for Migration has estimated the displaced at 64,000 families, which would also indicate around 300,000 people. Miloon Kothari, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, has claimed that as many as 3 million Zimbabweans may ultimately be affected if the exercise continues unchecked.
|
HighlightsSearch HotlineCatch the VisionRead all the 'Catch the Vision' material Photo diarySidelights on Assembly in pictures ProfileThe new Moderator The Moderator's AddressDavid Peel calls for a new framework for life and mission. Have your saySend us your comments on this year's business
|