Peter Aldous raises concerns about the continuing police and army brutality in Zimbabwe and calls on the Government to work with neighbouring states to hold President Mnangagwa to account and ensure asylum seekers are not returned to the country while the human rights violations continue.
Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con)
25. What recent assessment the Government have made of the prospects for peace and stability in Zimbabwe. [909461]
The Minister for Africa (Harriett Baldwin)
Fundamental political and economic reform in line with Zimbabwe’s own constitution is vital for a peaceful and stable Zimbabwe. I spoke to Foreign Minister Moyo on 29 January, and made clear that the Zimbabwean Government must investigate all alleged human rights violations and deliver on President Mnangagwa’s public commitment to reform.
...
Peter Aldous
In view of the continuing police and army brutality, will the UK Government immediately withdraw any support for the review of Zimbabwe’s relationship with the international community, step up efforts—working with neighbouring states—to hold President Mnangagwa to account, and ensure that the Home Office does not deport any asylum seekers to Zimbabwe while the current human rights violations continue?
Harriett Baldwin
My hon. Friend asked about the ongoing engagement with neighbouring countries. I discussed the situation in Zimbabwe recently with the South African Government, the Government of Mozambique and the new high commissioner from Botswana. I think it important for those in the region to send similar messages about addressing the recent well documented and credible reports. My hon. Friend may want to raise the Home Office issues with Home Office colleagues, but my understanding is that around the world the UK would return people to their country of origin only when we and the courts considered it safe to do so.
Peter Aldous raises concerns about the continuing police and army brutality in Zimbabwe and calls on the Government to work with neighbouring states to hold President Mnangagwa to account and ensure asylum seekers are not returned to the country while the human rights violations continue.