Humanitarian Crisis Still Plaguing Zimbabwe

The plight of Zimbabweans continues. An estimated 3 million have fled the economic collapse and deplorable humanitarian conditions of their homeland, risking their lives as they cross into bordering states, notably South Africa, seeking asylum papers. They all prefer sleeping on the dirt in refugee areas instead of under their own roofs in Zimbabwe.

Matt Damon, the Hollywood actor, is appalled at what he has seen and heard during his time in South Africa. He is a member of the human rights group, Not On Our Watch, founded by Hollywood celebs to draw attention to the crisis.

"I have spoken to so many people who went through so much to get to this point. It is testament to the situation across the border in Zimbabwe," Damon said to The Associated Press in an exclusive interview. He went on to tell stories of groups of people bravely swimming across the Limpopo River, which is infested with crocodiles and hippos. One woman did this with her baby on her back. Of the thirteen people she swam with, only five made it across.

Particularly disturbing is the sexual violence against women. Once out of the river, the trail to the the refugee camps is littered with bandits, Damon said, who lure or simply drag women away and rape them. He said he had yet to speak with a woman who hadn't been raped.

The U.S. Department of State has issued this statement: "The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has agreed to join a unity government with Robert Mugabe under the conditions called for in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) January 27 Communiqué. The success or failure of such a government will depend on credible and inclusive power sharing by Robert Mugabe and his ZANU-PF party. The international community must remain engaged and continue to scrutinize actions by Mr. Mugabe to ensure adherence to the letter and spirit of this agreement, including respect for human rights and the rule of law. We urge SADC to fulfill its obligation to guarantee that Mr. Mugabe proceeds on a new path toward reconciliation and genuine partnership with the MDC.

"The U.S. will only consider new development assistance and easing of targeted sanctions when we have seen evidence of true power sharing as well as inclusive and effective governance. We will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the Zimbabwean people in their time of suffering."

Photo: AP Photo/Jerome Delay