20100730
allafrica

Africa Action, the oldest human rights organization focused exclusively on Africa, celebrates the introduction of the Zimbabwe Renewal Act of 2010 (H.R. 5971) in the House of Representatives.

Sponsored by Congressmen Payne, and cosponsored by over 35 members of Congress, the new legislation aims to bring about a major shift in U.S. policy that is significant to the democratic transition in Zimbabwe and aligns with the latest political and economic developments on the ground.

Gerald LeMelle, executive director of Africa Action said, "This is a promising day for everyone who supports democracy and development in Zimbabwe. The new legislation is a major step forward for the people of Zimbabwe."

Africa Action, in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Alliance - a collaboration of like-minded partners working within a human rights framework to promote a successful democratic transition in Zimbabwe, has been working to bring about such a policy shift in the U.S. government.

Michael Stulman, associate director for policy and communications added, "The House of Representatives and Senate must work together now in light of the opportunity that exists to build robust democratic institutions and strengthen democratic actors in Zimbabwe."

Key provisions of the Zimbabwe Renewal Act of 2010 include:

* Establishing a multi-donor human rights trust fund and support crucial sectors, like health care, education, agriculture, clean water and an emergency vocational work program for youth in Zimbabwe
* Instructing the Secretary of the Treasury to forgive Zimbabwe's bilateral debt, and in consultation with the Secretary of State, gather information on the feasibility and advisability of restructuring, rescheduling, or eliminating such debt in the future
* Maintaining targeted sanctions against individuals who continue to undermine the democratic processes and review and update existing sanctions to reflect changing conditions on the ground