11 May 2007
From the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission

NATSIEC STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH ZIMBABWE CHURCHES

Recently the Catholic Archbishop Pius Ncube from Zimbabwe visited the National Council of Churches.  Archbishop Ncube briefed them on the problems that beset Zimbabwe and it is evident that there is a problem with the lack of democratic process in the country.

Zimbabwe is also experiencing large scale poverty within the country, which particularly affects our Indigenous brothers and sisters.  After many years of fighting against colonialism for justice and freedom, they now find that their country is being organised under the same type of systems which they had fought so hard against.

NATSIEC has asked its representative to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Mr Peter Smith, to make representations on the issue of Zimbabwe.

It urges the members of the UN Permanent Forum to condemn the present Government and the injustices that are being perpetrated against the people of Zimbabwe, and calls for the establishment of free and open Democratic systems which restore the dignity and hope of Zimbabweans and bring justice and equality to all.

As Indigenous peoples we all know well what it is like living under a colonial system but we are shocked and dismayed that the same system is perpetuated by our own people.

NATSIEC stands in solidarity with the Christian Churches of Zimbabwe in calling for a free and Democratic Zimbabwe.

Graeme Mundine, Executive Secretary
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission
of the National Council of Churches in Australia

Contact for comment: Graeme Mundine 0419 238 788