Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Zimbabwe about the (1) arrest, and (2) alleged abuse, of Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova; and what steps they have taken to ensure their immediate release.

The Minister for Africa has followed the cases of Joanna Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova closely. He wrote to the Zimbabwean Minister of Home Affairs about their cases on 10 May 2021 urging for them to be treated in line with the constitution. On 30 April, our Ambassador to Zimbabwe met with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to discuss their case. On 5 May, the Minister for Africa welcomed the granting of bail for Joanna Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri. We are relieved that all three women are no longer in custody, but we urge the authorities to focus on investigating their original claims.

We remain clear that the Government of Zimbabwe must meet its international and domestic obligations by respecting the rule of law and the freedoms and rights enshrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution; 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.