There are few words to adequately describe what is happening in Zimbabwe today. Here are some that come to mind: Shocking. Horrific. Reprehensible. Wrong.
Please stand with the people of Zimbabwe today and urge world leaders to end the violence now»
In recent months, soldiers and militias loyal to President Robert Mugabe have:
killed 86 supporters of the opposition party;
injured and maimed 10,000 people;
destroyed 20,000 homes; and
driven 200,000 people from their homes.
Remember Rwanda? We can't let that happen again.
Too often, the long history of corruption in countries like Zimbabwe makes it easy for us to turn away, thinking, "I just don't understand and there's nothing I can do to help." But what is happening to people in Zimbabwe today is a gross violation of basic human rights and demands the world's attention and action.
Here's some background: On March 29th, the voters of Zimbabwe tried to oust Mugabe by electing opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai to be president. Mugabe's government then claimed Tsvangirai did not receive enough votes to avoid a runoff election, which is scheduled for this Friday, June 27th.
In the months leading up to this week's runoff, government-supported militias have used rape, torture and sheer brutality to suppress free speech, intimidate activists and prevent free and fair elections from occurring. Tsvangirai has now withdrawn from this week's runoff election out of fear for his supporters' safety. He has sought protection from the Dutch Embassy.
This week, the United Nations Security Council and neighboring nations in southern Africa strongly condemned the violence and Mugabe's role in it. Now we need world leaders to move beyond statements. Speak out now and make sure world leaders do everything in their power to stop the violence and ensure free and fair elections in Zimbabwe.
Thank you for standing in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe,
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/196731055?z00m=15556340