In the beginning

Since October 2001 the ZA has been run on a mainly voluntary basis by a group of Zimbabweans in the UK. We started by campaigning for an end to detention of Zimbabwean asylum seekers and their removal to Zimbabwe. On 15 January 2002 removals were stopped and Zimbabweans were no longer automatically detained.

On 16 November 2004 the Home Office ended the suspension of removals to Zimbabwe, and began removing 'failed' asylum seekers to Zimbabwe. In July 2005 forcible removal of Zimbabweans stopped pending the outcome of the AA case (Country Guidance for Zimbabwe). Three years of litigation followed ending with the RN ruling in November 2008 which recognized that "all those unable to demonstrate loyalty to Zimbabwe's ruling regime will be at risk of persecution if removed back to their country".

Aims

To promote the fundamental freedoms, human rights and welfare of all Zimbabweans regardless of political opinion, race, tribe, gender, age, religion, or sexual orientation, particularly those currently in the United Kingdom, and with priority attention to those seeking asylum in the UK.

Current problems

Since November 2008 we have been faced with a huge increase in numbers of Zimbabweans claiming asylum. In addition, ten thousand cases which formed part of the Legacy backlog are now being looked at. Problems with processing documentation means some people are being given refugee status, support is being withdrawn and they are faced with destitution as without the correct documents they are still unable to work. Our focus is on directing people to sources of help and competent legal representation and highlighting the problems faced by asylum seekers.

Picture: Supporters and members gathered for the ZA Spring Event 2009