August 03, 2006, 16:45
Hundreds of Zimbabweans under the banner of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition and the South African Women's Institute of Migration have marched to the United Nations (UN) offices in Tshwane. The protestors were demanding that the UN take sterner action against Zimbabwe for their implementation of Operation Murambatsvina or Restore Order
The operation was launched in 2005, when the Government said it was necessary to crackdown on illegal housing and to curb infectious diseases in certain areas. The UN estimates that the operation affected almost two and half million people, and according to SAWIMA more than 700 000 have been left homeless.
Anna Tibaijuka, the UN special envoy, visited the country to assess the conditions, released a report on the situation, describing the operation as a disastrous venture, and called for the immediate stop to the demolition's and that homes be rebuilt.
Zimbabwe has since rebuilt more than 5 000 houses, but the protesters say these are not given to the homeless, but to the ruling party faithful.
The protesters say they want the UN to exert pressure on Zimbabwe to implement the recommendations of the report, they also say they want the African Union and South African Government to get involved
Sisulu also says the people of Zimbabwe are grateful for the humanitarian aid provided by the UN, and would like to see the Aid continuing.
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