The Masvingo Centre for Research and Development (MACRAD) has raised concern over reports of land-related displacements, intimidation and alleged human rights violations affecting communities in Chiredzi calling for an independent investigation and the suspension of contested evictions.
In a statement, the organisation said the reported developments raised serious questions about the protection of communities whose livelihoods depend on ancestral and communal land.
MACRAD said affected residents risked losing their homes, agricultural fields, grazing areas and cultural connections to the land warning that decisions affecting communities must be made through transparent and inclusive processes.
“Land is not merely an economic resource. For rural communities, it is the foundation of livelihoods, food security, culture, identity and community life,” the organisation said.
It added that any process resulting in displacement should comply with the country’s Constitution, relevant laws and internationally recognised human rights standards.
The organisation expressed concern that some communities could be facing decisions over their land without adequate consultation, meaningful participation or clear information about the processes leading to their displacement.
MACRAD called on government authorities, traditional leaders, local authorities and private actors involved in land allocation or development projects to respect the rights of affected communities.
It said residents should receive timely information about proposed developments and be given opportunities to raise objections, suggest alternatives and have their concerns considered before irreversible decisions are made.
“Consultation must not be treated as a procedural formality,” MACRAD said, adding that community participation should be meaningful.
The organisation also raised concern over reports of intimidation and pressure against community members, activists and grassroots organisations speaking out on land rights.
It said constitutionally protected freedoms, including expression, assembly, association and petition, should not expose people to harassment or retaliation.
While acknowledging the importance of investment and development in Zimbabwe, MACRAD said economic progress should not undermine communities’ access to land, food, shelter and livelihoods.
“Development cannot be pursued at the expense of vulnerable communities,” it said.
The organisation argued that investment and the protection of community rights should be pursued together, with development projects improving people’s lives rather than weakening their economic security.
Where displacement is unavoidable and lawful, MACRAD said affected communities should be meaningfully consulted and receive fair compensation, alternative land where appropriate, and measures to restore their livelihoods.
Among its recommendations, the organisation called on the government to protect residents facing displacement, intimidation or harassment and launch an independent investigation into allegations of unlawful land acquisition, forced displacement and other rights violations in affected parts of Chiredzi.
It also urged authorities to suspend disputed displacement processes until the legal status of the land and the rights of affected communities had been independently established.
MACRAD called for transparent and properly documented consultations involving all affected groups, particularly women, young people, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable residents.
It further recommended independent assessments to establish who legally occupies or holds rights to the disputed land, as well as the potential social, economic and environmental effects of proposed developments.
The organisation said interventions affecting agricultural and grazing land should take account of food security and household incomes, with appropriate livelihood-restoration support provided where necessary.
MACRAD also called for community-based organisations, journalists, activists and human rights defenders working with affected residents to be allowed to operate without intimidation or persecution.
It urged authorities to establish an accessible and independent complaints mechanism through which residents could challenge land-related decisions and seek remedies without fear of retaliation.
The organisation said protecting community rights required authorities to ensure that affected residents had access to information, independent assessments and effective channels for resolving disputes.