Volume 9 of Green Governance Zimbabwe’s newsletter focuses on the increasing risks that Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs) are facing in Zimbabwe due to the threats posed by environmental activism to the illicit cash-cows of the political elite. For more on this and other interesting topics read on.
A Deadly shade of Green: The threat to environmental human rights defenders in Zimbabwe
While many aspects of the relationship between human rights and the environment are important, none is more urgent than the need to protect those individuals who work, often at great personal risk, to protect their natural environment from unsustainable exploitation, and defend the human rights of them- selves and their communities. Without these dedicated individuals, the protection of the environment and of the rights that depend upon it would be impossible.
Political party financing: Natural resources a key enabler
Political party financing remains a cog in the democratisation of elections because of its potential to place other parties ahead in the electioneering process at the expense of others. During instances where the sources of funding for elections are often opaque, parties source illicit funds from foreign invest (through arranged investment), from individuals and from local corporates who are seeking to have their businesses “protected” by the incumbent ruling party that may otherwise disrupt them for non-conformity. These practices all violate the political party finances act and poses a threat to democracy and allegiance that elected officials should ideally have towards the electorate.
Access the full newsletter here (498KB PDF)
Source: Green Governance Zimbabwe Trust
