THE OPEN FORUM 2005 on ZIMBABWE, SOUTH AFRICA and the REGION
BRITAIN ZIMBABWE SOCIETY in association with Zimbabwe Association International Liaison Office, Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum The REDRESS Trust Canon Collins Educational Trust for Southern Africa Article 19 • Action for Southern Africa • End the Silence Centre of African Studies, University of London Royal Africa Society Present a Report on THE OPEN FORUM 2005 ON ZIMBABWE, SOUTH AFRICA and the REGION 4thTH June 2005, 2pm – 5.30pm, Brunei Gallery, School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS) University of London Executive summary This Report describes the proceedings of an event aimed at facilitating open, inclusive debate amongst the Zimbabwean diaspora in the UK and others concerned about the continuing crisis in Zimbabwe, its regional and international implications, the role of civil society in the struggle for democratic governance, human rights, justice and peace, and the possible strategies for change. The Open Forum 2005 on Zimbabwe, South Africa and the Region was organised in London on 4 June 2005 by the Britain Zimbabwe Society in association with a number of associated organisations. It was conceived as an inclusive, non-partisan, non- governmental forum and focused on two specific themes: (1) the institutional instruments available to civil society to use in defending human rights and promoting change; (2) how to develop a genuinely anti-imperialist framework for understanding the situation in Zimbabwe, in the face of the anti-imperialist posture adopted by the ruling party in Zimbabwe to win international and particularly African support for its policies. The Forum was attended by some 270 persons. Stimulated by strong presentations from all the speakers on two panels, and by the dramatic events unfolding in Zimbabwe (the ‘drive out the rubbish’ government blitz - officially called ’restore order’ - on urban settlements and informal sector traders had reached its third week) participants conducted a lively debate with sharp disagreements on some points.
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