COVID-19 and #ZimbabweLivesMatter: Rethinking the need for Social Justice and respect for Human Rights in Zimbabwe

Abstract

COVID-19, as a worldwide pandemic, has resulted in various trajectories that have necessitated preventive measures, such as lockdown, social  distancing and the wearing of masks. In addition, COVID-19 is being used as an excuse to trample on democracy and disregard human rights in Zimbabwe. This paper, which is couched in decoloniality, seeks to expose how COVID-19 restrictions have contributed to the death of democracy, instead of merely serving as a means to control the spread of the virus. The paper taps into political, social and religious spaces to argue for a rethinking of COVID-19 policies that de-emancipate citizens, especially women and children, in constructing sustainable futures. The paper ends by arguing that, while COVID-19 has enacted ambivalence in the economic and health landscapes of Zimbabwe, human rights should remain key for igniting sustainable development, regardless of conditions and the state of the world.