The recent story of Zimbabwe is one of intense human suffering – of a country where its citizens cannot afford to eat, where education and health systems have failed and where people live in fear. This year please remember the people of Zimbabwe and leave your message of support for them below.
Over the last few weeks the catastrophe in Zimbabwe has become even worse with a cholera epidemic that has affected thousands and killed hundreds of people. But this is not a pure health problem; this epidemic is a direct result of the abuse, neglect and corruption of a Mugabe regime which long ago lost respect.
We must work to stop the suffering of the Zimbabwean people, which is why in response to the humanitarian crisis facing the Zimbabwean people the Labour Government is providing humanitarian aid, including the £10 million we announced recently. But the humanitarian response does not provide a sustainable solution to Zimbabwe’s problems; the only solution for Zimbabwe is a political one.
All around the world people, including world leaders, are united in wanting to see change in Zimbabwe. The recent promise of the power-sharing agreement has yet to be fulfilled. Robert Mugabe has failed to respect and uphold the democratic will of the Zimbabwean people and his government long ago lost every shred of its legitimacy.
Its people have shown they want change and we must continue to work, as part of a strong and united international community, for a solution and end to the human misery in Zimbabwe. When the Zimbabwean government finally reflects the will of its people we will be ready to help rebuild the economy and country, to turn Zimbabwe back into the thriving and prosperous country it once was.
We as a party and as a nation must not forget the suffering of ordinary Zimbabweans. We must continue to stand side by side with the brave men and women of Zimbabwe in calling for an end to the unnecessary suffering and suppression of human rights which currently reigns in Zimbabwe
Please leave your message of support for the Zimbabwean people here. We will publish these on our website and will ensure that people in Zimbabwe are aware of your messages.
Your message of support
Labour's Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, on Zimbabwe:
Commenting on the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, the Prime Minister called for regional mobilisation and international action to help tackle the emergency in Zimbabwe
“For once I agree with the Government of Zimbabwe - This is a national emergency. Thousands are stricken with cholera and must be helped urgently. But that’s where my agreement with the Mugabe regime ends. For this is now an international rather than a national emergency.
International because disease crosses borders. International because the systems of Government in Zimbabwe are now broken. There is no state capable or willing of protecting its people.
International because - not least in the week of the 60th anniversary of the universal declaration of human rights - we must stand together to defend human rights and democracy, to say firmly to Mugabe that enough is enough.
In the coming days we will focus our effort on:
• Getting aid to those who most need it - our difference with Mugabe will not prevent us doing so. Our first priority is to prevent more deaths, through distribution of rehydration and testing packs. We also want to see the establishment of a command and control structure in Harare, bringing together donors, officials and NGOs to ensure that there are no impediments to getting aid though.
• Regional mobilisation. I have been in close contact with African leaders to press for stronger action to give the Zimbawean people the Government they deserve.
• Wider international action. I hope that the Security Council will meet to urgently consider Zimbabwe. I call on Zimbabwe to permit visits of Senior UN envoys, and remain appalled that the Elders Group led by Kofi Annan were prevented access.
The people of Zimbabwe voted for a better future. It is our duty to support that aspiration.”
Labour's Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, on the inauguration of Morgan Tsvangirai:
“The people of Zimbabwe have for too many years suffered hardship and political violence, denied the government they deserve by the misrule of Robert Mugabe. Today they have a new Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, a man who has courageously led opposition to the Mugabe regime.
Morgan Tsvangirai's appointment offers the possibility of a change for the better. Mr Tsvangirai and his team have a formidable challenge in bringing legitimacy and reform to Zimbabwe's government, in improving the economy and in delivering basic services to Zimbabwe's people. They will need to be given the room to lead change, not least from ZANU (PF) and its leadership. Britain and the international community will be looking for the whole government to demonstrate, through its actions, a clear commitment to the reforms that the Zimbabwean people so deserve.
We will continue to provide substantial humanitarian assistance to Zimbabwe. We also stand ready to provide broader long-term help. This will depend on the new government's actions. A commitment to macroeconomic stabilisation, restoration of the rule of law, respect for human rights, the immediate release of political detainees, the repeal of repressive legislation, and a commitment to timely elections - are the foundations of international support.”
Labour's Secretary of State for International Development, on Zimbabwe:
In response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe the Labour Government has announced £10 million in humanitarian assistance to help Zimbabweans and those caught in the country’s cholera outbreak. This brings the total aid package to the people of Zimbabwe from the UK Government to £47 million this year. The money will go towards many of the worst affected, while some of the other funds will go towards essential medicines and supplies to keep a basic health service running in the country.
Speaking in November on the day of this announcement, Douglas Alexander said
"Conditions for ordinary Zimbabweans were desperately bad even before this cholera outbreak. The situation requires urgent action with over 8,000 reported cases and over 300 deaths already."
"Today I am making available a £10 million package to provide essential drugs and medical supplies and support the provision of basic health services. This wide-ranging package will help to contain this and other waterborne diseases and save thousands of lives."
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