Rights, not Guns for Zimbabwe
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Dockworkers across Southern Africa have blocked a Chinese arms boat from reaching Zimbabwe... but the crackdown continues. China weighs whether to recall the weapons--African unions, citizen groups, and church organisations are launching a campaign to stop any new arms from fuelling the Zimbabwe crisis. Avaaz is joining with them and a global coalition including Oxfam, Amnesty, and IANSA to build support throughout Africa and round the world. Stopping the arms is a concrete step leaders can take to help bring justice to Zimbabwe. Add your name below now--we hope to unveil the petition in Southern Africa before next week! Update: Desmond Tutu has joined the call. Click to see his statement here! Global Civil Society has written a sign-on letter to the leaders of the Southern African Development Community. Click here to see the letter and add your organisation.
Petition to SADC leaders and governments throughout Africa and the world:
We, the undersigned, call for your support in preventing any weapons shipments from reaching Zimbabwe until the crisis is resolved. We believe that, if delivered, these weapons would likely be used to violate the human rights of Zimbabweans, and we support the efforts of ordinary citizens and African trade unionists to prevent their transit through neighbouring countries. This shipment highlights the urgent need for a strong international arms trade treaty, and the continuing violence demands that all regional and global leaders act to protect human rights.
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102,481 people have signed the petition. Help us get to 100,000  Last Wednesday, a plane hired by Avaaz flew this massive banner over the United Nations headquarters as South African President Thabo Mbeki chaired a meeting of the Security Council. The flight, part of an effort to deliver the 150,000-signature global petition for democracy in Zimbabwe, was covered by press around the world: AFP | BBC | CNN | SABC | SW Radio Africa | iAfrica | LA Times | Earth Times | And much more! The next day, South Africa shifted its position. Thanks to all who took part! |
