Trade unionists, including educators from across Africa and from around the world have called for an official ILO Commission of Inquiry into Zimbabwe, as more reports of torture and murder of trade unionists emerge from the country.
Sheperd Chegwu, a member of the PTUZ teachers' union and principal of Katsukunya High School, was abducted from his home on 3 June, and his body, showing signs of severe torture and a gunshot wound to his neck and head, was found nearby two days later. Chegwu had previously been interrogated by "war veterans" and militia about actions taken by PTUZ members at his school to protest at the governments' actions in the lead up to the re-run of the presidential election. There are no signs that the police are taking any action to investigate the murder.
Trade union delegates to the ILO's Commission on the Application of Standards from Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland, the United Kingdom and the USA have denounced Zimbabwe's appalling record on trade union rights and lodged a formal complaint under Article 26 of the ILO Constitution. This procedure could lead to the establishment of an ILO Commission of Inquiry. This procedure is the strongest investigative measure which exists under the ILO's supervisory mechanisms.
"We feel obliged to lodge this complaint, and call upon the ILO Governing Body to propose measures to make sure that the Zimbabwe government fully respect ILO Conventions 87 and 98 on Freedom of Association, the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining," said South African COSATU delegate Alina Rantsolase.
Employer representatives and governments joined with trade unions in criticising the government on its record of serious violations of freedom of association in Zimbabwe, which is essential to the existence of democratic society. Regrettably the representatives of the Zimbabwe Government refused to appear before the Committee, but opted to watch the proceedings from the gallery, which was perceived as evidence of the government's disrespect for the ILO and its fundamental principles.
For the full report of the testimony to the ILO Commission on the Application of Standards (in English) and EI's Urgent Action Appeal launched on 16 May, please refer to the links below.