The Southern African Liaison Office

The Southern African Liaison Office

International liaison, dialogue and research.

All Posts L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ Policy Dialogues Zimbabwe 

Public Civil Society Briefing on Zimbabwe – 19 November 2021

SALO

The Southern African Liaison Office (SALO) held a Public Civil Society Briefing on Zimbabwe on 19 Nov 2021. The civil society briefing focused on the challenges civil society is facing regarding the closure of democratic space, and the response of civil society moving forward, as well as other current issues including

• The call for investment in coal from Zimbabwe’s finance minister at the recent COP26 Conference has highlighted Zimbabwe’s agenda for climate change.

• The cancellation of a planned visit to Zimbabwe by South African celebrity, Somizi Mhlongo, following an outcry from the Apostolic Christian Council about his sexuality, has focused attention once again on LGBTQIA+ rights in that country.

• A decision is imminent on the potential extension of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit.

Speakers included Michelle Matsvaire, legal officer at Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), Samuel Matsikure, Programmes Manager at Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) and Blessing Vava, Director at Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition.

View meeting here: https://fb.watch/9ostTekbYC/