Source: New Zimbabwe                                                                                                                                                                                                        Human rights organisations have lambasted SADC countries for failing to address rights violations in member states.

Addressing journalists in Harare representatives from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said it is in the bloc's interests to uphold human rights.

The call came two days before the start of SADC's 34th summit of heads of states and governments to be held in Victoria Falls from Sunday.

The three human rights organisations drew attention to serious human rights violations in Angola, Malawi, Swaziland, Zambia and hosts Zimbabwe.

They said as Zimbabwe takes over as chair of the regional body, SADC should press for human rights improvement across the sub-region, particularly in Angola, Malawi, Swaziland, and Zambia.

They also criticised the Zimbabwe government's failure to bring to justice perpetrators of political violence since 2000 and its failure to address fundamental economic and social rights.

"SADC's commitment to human rights will come into question if Zimbabwe, as chair of the regional body, does not expedite the process of aligning its laws with the constitution and state institutions do not live up to regional and international best practices," said Irene Petras, the director of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

For instance, many people in Harare have little access to potable water and sanitation services, violating their right to water, sanitation, and health, she said.

In the country's diamond fields, greater transparency is needed on diamond production, revenue and the allocation of mining rights.

Amnesty International Southern Africa Director, Deprose Muchena, said human rights are central to achieving sustainable economic development and regional integration.

"SADC should strive to create conditions for all to enjoy their economic, social, civil, and political rights. SADC leadership must respond to the real needs of ordinary people and vigorously implement regional and international human rights standards."

The three bodies also criticised Angola for pursuing numerous criminal defamation lawsuits against outspoken journalists and activists while using excessive force, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation to prevent peaceful anti-government protests, strikes, and other gatherings.

As for Malawi they said it should take decisive steps to end discrimination and protect sexual minorities as well as ensure gender equality and the protection of women's rights in all spheres of society.

They also lamented the drastic deterioration in human rights conditions and respect for the rule of law in Swaziland in recent years.

"To achieve the SADC Summit theme of economic transformation, Zimbabwe and other countries in the region should promote good governance, uphold the rule of law and respect human rights," said Tiseke Kasambala, Southern Africa director at Human Rights Watch.

"Genuine transparency and justice help drive the regional economic development that improves people's lives," he said.

• Zimbabwe