Hillary Clinton: Key Senate Panel Approves Clinton Bill to Support Democracy and Human Rights in Zimbabwe

June 28, 2007 -- Washington, DC – The Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously approved a bill introduced by Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton, Russ Feingold and Richard Lugar to address ongoing human rights concerns in Zimbabwe. As Zimbabwe approaches national elections in 2008, the “Support for Democracy and Human Rights in Zimbabwe Act of 2007” seeks to assist Zimbabweans in their efforts to promote democracy and human rights in their country, despite years spent under a repressive and violent government.

"I am pleased that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has taken the first step toward passage of this important and timely legislation to assist Zimbabwe’s courageous citizens during this crisis," Senator Clinton said. "This bill will send a message to the region that the United States, true to our core values of freedom and self-determination for all people, supports a free and fair Zimbabwean election and a lasting democratic peace in the years that follow.”

President Mugabe’s government has systematically used violence and intimidation to repress political opposition, while consistently infringing on the human rights of Zimbabweans. In March, two citizens were killed and up to fifty opposition and civil society members were beaten, detained or arrested when Zimbabwean security forces disrupted a peaceful prayer meeting. The United States, United Nations, European Union, and many human rights organizations have condemned these events and ensuing government action against civilians. In the wake of the violence, the Southern African Development Community announced that South African President Thabo Mbeki will mediate between President Mugabe and the opposition, the Movement for Democratic Change, in advance of the 2008 presidential election. The “Support for Democracy and Human Rights in Zimbabwe Act of 2007” welcomes and commends this move by African leaders to resolve the political and humanitarian crisis in a way that reflects the will of the people and respects international standards.

This bipartisan legislation calls for a number of measures to provide assistance to the people of Zimbabwe. The legislation notes that all possible preparations should be made to hold free, fair, and peaceful elections in accordance with international standards. The bill also calls on the Bush Administration to develop, in cooperation with African leaders and the broader international community, a comprehensive U.S. strategy to assist the people of Zimbabwe and authorizes additional resources to support democracy and human rights programs.

Source: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton

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