About Us

Written by Administrator Monday, 24 May 2010 06:51

The Zimbabwe Exiles Forum is a Southern African non-political, non-profit and non-partisan organisation with an eye on the future of Zimbabwe. It was founded in 2003 in South Africa on the premise that political change that will usher in a democratic dispensation where human dignity and civil liberties are sacrosanct in Zimbabwe is inevitable.

ZEF is however concerned that little or nothing is being done to prepare for this change. In this regard ZEF is engaged in research, documentation, advocy, lobbying and litigation around issues of human rights in Zimbabwe 

This process enriches the dosier that we are compiling in legal form against perpetrators so that victims may obtain redress. Since the judicial environment is compromised in Zimbabwe, jurisdictions in which this may be done include foreign states, regional and international institutions and fora. Some cases have already been brought before the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights for example, and others referred to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. ZEF is also working on bringing cases on behalf of victims in countries that respect the obligation to punish crimes like genocide, torture and other crimes against humanity.

Zimbabwe Exiles Forum enjoys observer status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR).

It should be pointed out that since our work would be risky in Zimbabwe, ZEF operates mainly from South Africa. In this regard, we also strive to assist Zimbabwean victims of human rights violations in such countries as South Africa and neighbouring ones with legal advice as well as to advocate and lobby around their rights as refugees. Related to this, ZEF assists refugees in acquiring or enhancing skills and training that will contribute to the rebuilding of Zimbabwe when the human rights situation allows for the more than 4 million Zimbabweans in exile to return to their country of birth.

Mission Statement

To combat impunity and achieve justice and dignity for victims of human rights violations occurring in Zimbabwe with particular emphasis on the exiled victims.