Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they intend to make to the government of Zimbabwe about reports that human rights abuses have been committed against Joanna Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri.

We regularly engage with the Government of Zimbabwe to urge adherence to their human rights obligations and to respect the freedoms and rights enshrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution. The Minister for Africa has followed the cases of Joanna Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri closely. He publically registered his concern over their arrests on 5 February 2021, and on 29 March he highlighted the continued harassment of the political opposition, calling for all to be treated equally under law. The British Embassy in Harare remains in contact with Ms Mamombe and Ms Chimbiri and their lawyers.

We remain clear that the Government of Zimbabwe must meet its international and domestic obligations by respecting the rule of law, safeguarding human rights, and committing to genuine political and economic reform for the benefit of all Zimbabweans. Her Majesty's Government will continue to speak out, both privately and in public, where we have concerns and we will work alongside the international community to support a better future for all Zimbabweans.