Supporting environmental defenders in Zimbabwe

Situation

Zimbabwean human rights defenders and anti-corruption lawyers advocating for communities suffering the consequences of environmental corruption are facing increasing threats and harassment. In Redcliff, Zimbabwe, an environmental and human rights crisis has arisen stemming from severe dust pollution caused by a cement manufacturer. The affected community continues to experience significant health issues, including silicosis and other respiratory diseases, due to prolonged exposure to hazardous dust emissions, as well as environmental degradation. There is no cure for silicosis, which takes a minimum of 5-10 years to manifest. The community have commenced public interest litigation, impacting hundreds of Zimbabwean residents, invoking the constitutional right to a safe and healthy environment and highlighting the company’s non-compliance with environmental pollution laws, leading to severe and fatal consequences for the local community. However, community representatives have faced aggressive intimidation and harassment to pressure them to drop their demands.

ILP’s Action

Through its network of legal experts, ILP assisted the Anti-Corruption Trust of Southern Africa (ACT-SA) to mobilise local and legal support through significant media and radio coverage, helping the community to enforce their legal rights. ILP helped ACT-SA file an injunction at the High Court in Zimbabwe to compel the cement manufacturer to take immediate measures to suppress dust emissions for the benefit of the concerned local communities. ILP also shared legal strategies on navigating protective measures that ensure the safety of environmental defenders, including documenting and publicising threats of violence and intimidation, and using the evidence to facilitate litigation and advocacy efforts.

Impact

ILP’s support in advising effective legal strategies to address the recurring threats and attempts to silence community representatives empowered the affected local residents to seek justice and hold the company accountable for its actions, providing them with a voice and a means to address their grievances. Securing protective measures for environmental defenders, anti-corruption campaigners and lawyers in Zimbabwe, including the injunction filed before the High Court in Zimbabwe, will help reduce the threats and harassment they face, allowing them to continue their advocacy work without fear. Successful legal action against the cement manufacturer will mitigate the adverse health impact caused by its operations, ultimately contributing to the improved overall well-being of the community.