Monthly Archives: December 2008
Still Missing: Leading Zimbabwe Human Rights Activist Abducted
Take Action! Phone the Embassy of Zimbabwe!
Dear Friend,
Africa Action is concerned about the whereabouts of Justina Mukoko, a prominent civil socity leader in Zimbabwe, reportedly missing for over forty-eight hours. As the Director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project, Jestina has been instrumental in keeping the world informed of human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.
We must all denounce this attempt to silence this heroine of Zimbabwe’s struggle for democracy and demand that she be released immediately and returned to her family unharmed.
PHONE THE EMBASSY OF ZIMBABWE!
202-332-7100
The abduction of Jestina Mukoko follows a protest organized by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) that was brutally crushed by police. Over seventy workers were arrested throughout Zimbabwe and many more were severely beaten by anti-riot police, including ZCTU Secretary General, Wellington Chibhebhe. Jestina’s abduction follows a clear pattern consistent with previous abductions by government agents, particularly the Central Intelligence Organization.
TAKE ACTION: Africa Action urges the international community to call for the immediate release of Jestina Mukoko.
To support the call to release Jestina Mukoko, phone the Embassy of Zimbabwe in the U.S. at 202-332-7100 with the following message:
“Hi. I am calling with a message for the Government of Zimbabwe. I am very concerned about the recent whereabouts and safety of Jestina Mukoko, Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project. As you should know, she has been missing now for over forty-eight hours. I urge the Government of Zimbabwe to take every step to ensure the safe and secure return to her family immediately.”
Visit www.africaaction.org to learn more about the crisis in Zimbabwe, and read Africa Action’s report, A Dream Deferred – the 2008 Zimbabwe Elections.
In solidarity,
The Staff @ Africa Action
Helping the people of Zimbabwe
Understanding the Zimbabwean crises or acting on it, is only part of the story. Meanwhile, people lack access to basic necessities: medicines, health services and food.
Here’s some ideas how you can help (via Imani Countess of TransAfrica Forum).
The UN World Food Program
“Not only are they the major distributor of food in the region, but they are obligated to respect recipient country requests regarding non-GMO seeds and grains.” You can donate online to the WFP and you can designate Southern Africa.
Zimbabwe Solidarity Fund
Hosted by Africa Action, and supported by the San Francisco Bay Area Priority Africa Network and TransAfrica Forum. 100% of money raised on this campaign will go to supporting civil society in Zimbabwe. Proceeds from this fund are “disbursed in Zimbabwe and accounted for by a Zimbabwe-based committee that includes representatives of Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions , Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition , and the Zimbabwe National Students Union — organizations courageously at the forefront of advancing democracy in Zimbabwe under the most difficult conditions and fully deserving of our support.” There are no administrative costs and the funds are used to support the victims of violence. Donate here.
USAID
USAID contributes large amounts of food aid to Zimbabwe. Imani suggests writing your US Member of Congress to encourage USAID to increase its donation to the WFP.