YWCA of Zimbabwe supports talks between political parties of Zimbabwe
The YWCA of Zimbabwe has called upon the Zimbabwe Council of Churches to support the recommendations of international bodies for dialogue between the political parties in Zimbabwe. In a letter addressed to the General Secretary of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, the association commends the churches role in mediation efforts and asks them to support the efforts of women in the following months as they rebuild their lives in the aftermath of post election violence that has gripped the country since March 29.
Church leaders in Zimbabwe released a statement for the first time yesterday stating the recent presidential election result was not an expression of the will of the people. They said people are being subjected to violence that includes torture, murder, abductions, displacement and psychological trauma. The church leaders urged a transitional authority be implemented, and said the churches could play a role in talks.
The YWCA of Zimbabwe experienced first hand the political violence church leaders referred to when a youth militia entered the property and threatened to behead the 120 displaced women and children seeking shelter at the hostel four weeks ago. Many of the women and children who had already witnessed torture and murders were left traumatised and terrified.
Read full letter here:
Christian greetings from YWCA.
Related Links
- World YWCA and WSCF mark Zimbabwe 'elections' with a peace vigil outside United Nations
- YWCA of Zimbabwe targeted by youth militia as crisis deepens
- Zimbabweans share grim reality at Human Rights Council
- Churches worldwide asked to pray for Zimbabwe
- Its an Emergency: Stop the Violence and Protect Women and Girls Now
- Women and Girls Live with Intimidation as Zimbabwe Teeters on the Edge
