ILO confirms allegations of rights violations in Zimbabwe

ZIMBABWE: A special Commission of Inquiry of the International Labour Organisation has, in its findings being presented to the ILO Governing Body this week, confirmed that the Zimbabwe's government is responsible for serious violations of fundamental rights, in particular concerning freedom to organise trade unions and to collective bargaining, the right to strike, and protection of trade unionists from discrimination.

The International Metalworkers' Federation joined calls from the International Trade Union Confederation on March 26 to keep up the pressure for the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights in Zimbabwe, following the release of the report.

For the first time in the history of the ILO, both trade unions and employer organizations have filed a complaint against a government, leading to the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry in 2008.  The Commission travelled to Zimbabwe and heard testimony from workers, as well as meeting government and employer representatives.

The COI report also details violations of other fundamental human rights against trade unionists, including freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention, and the right to "security of the person". Many Zimbabwean trade unionists have been severely beaten by security forces and others acting at the behest of the regime over the past several years.

After the Commission of inquiry reported its findings to the ILO Governing Body, it was confirmed that Zimbabwe's government is responsible for serious violations of fundamental rights, in particular concerning freedom to organize trade unions and to collective bargaining, the right to strike, and protection of trade unionists from discrimination.

The Commission issued seven recommendations that the government has to implement to ensure the full implementation of ILO Conventions 87 and 98 on freedom of association and collective bargaining, and which could contribute to the process of national reconciliation.