Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had at ministerial level with the (1) government of Zimbabwe, (2) the government of South Africa, and (3) the African Union, about (a) Zimbabwe's political and economic situation, and (b) any human rights abuses which are perpetrated against Zimbabweans; and when such discussions last took place.

The Minister for Africa regularly engages with the Government of Zimbabwe to raise serious concerns about the political, economic and human rights situation in Zimbabwe. We have been 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. This is a prerequisite for further international support. The Minister for Africa delivered these messages when he last spoke to Foreign Minister Moyo on 8 June, and in a letter he wrote to the Foreign Minister on 12 August. Our Ambassador in Harare reinforced these messages when she met in person with Foreign Minister Moyo on 14 August and also raised concerns on the chronic economic situation Zimbabwe is experiencing with Zimbabwean Finance Minister Mthuli on 28 September. We will continue to call out the Government of Zimbabwe where we believe abuses of human rights have taken place including monitoring enforcement of the lockdown regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UK regularly discusses the political, economic, and human rights situation in Zimbabwe with its international partners, including South Africa. On 16 July the Minister for Africa spoke to the Deputy Foreign Minister of South Africa about the situation in Zimbabwe. The UK is committed to working in partnership with South Africa, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the African Union as well as other international organisations. The UK will continue to work alongside the international community to support good governance, respect for human rights, and genuine political and economic reform in Zimbabwe, to help secure a better future for all Zimbabweans.