Zimbabwe bishops condemn demolition of shantytowns

Published: 2005-06-20

HARARE, Zimbabwe (CNS) -- Zimbabwe's bishops condemned the government's demolition of shantytowns, saying the action was a "gross injustice done to the poor." "People have a right to shelter and that has been deliberately destroyed in this operation without much warning," the bishops said in a pastoral letter, "The Cry of the Poor," which was read during Masses nationwide June 19. According to the United Nations, about 250,000 people have been left homeless since late May, when the government began its "Operation Restore Order." Authorities, including riot police, have been demolishing homes and vendors' stalls in shantytowns around the capital, Harare, as well in other Zimbabwean cities and towns including Bulawayo, Mutare and the tourist resort of Victoria Falls. Government officials said the operation is aimed at getting rid of illegal settlements and reducing crime in the black market, which has flourished in the past five years amid a worsening economic crisis.

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