The National Associations of Youth Organisations (NAYO) condemns in strongest terms the arrest of two youth
leaders today, namely: Namatai Kwekweza, the founding Director of Youth Lead
and Vongai Zimudzi a Human Rights Activist.
The two have been arrested for simply, and peacefully protesting
against the intention by the Executive to amend the Zimbabwe Constitution,
barely few years after the Constitution was brought to life, also the two
protested against the decision by the Parliament of Zimbabwe to proceed with
Constitutional Amendment Number 2 hearings, whilst the majority of Zimbabweans
are in lock-down, and unable to contribute to this public process.
The arrest came
at a time when three political activists namely; Joana Mamombe, Cecelia Chimbiri
and Nestai Marova are languishing in custody following their abduction, torture
and rape, and the state followed by arresting the trio on frivolous charges.
NAYO) is perturbed by the continued crackdown on Civil Society Organisations
(CSOs); Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Journalists, Activists, and
Human Rights defenders; most of whom are youth.
NAYO encourages the government to respect fundamental rights of
youth and people as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe, mainly in the
Bill of Rights, which is categorically clear on freedoms of Assembly,
Association and Expression.
NAYO urges the government of Zimbabwe to respect people's voice,
as shown in the just ended consultation by Parliament, that people have rejected
the idea of amputating the Constitution, but called for its full
implementation.
NAYO urges young people to unite and fight for their rights,
using peaceful means. It was young people in the history of the world who led
peaceful revolutions towards economic emancipation.
NAYO urges the government to work with young people for a
holistic solution to the current challenges facing the country.
#LeaveNoYouthBehind
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