91´«Ã½

Support of Freedom of Expression and Human Rights at the Zimbabwe International Book Fair

Adopted at 1996 Annual Conference

WHEREAS the Zimbabwe International Book Fair is the preeminent African book fair; and

WHEREAS the Government of Zimbabwe took actions to exclude the Gays and Lesbian Association of Zimbabwe from the 1995 Book Fair: and

WHEREAS the Human Rights Indaba at the 1995 Zimbabwe International Book Fair issued a strong statement against this Government action; and

WHEREAS the Zimbabwe International Book Fair Trust has stated its intention to accept the future participation of the Gays and Lesbians Association of Zimbabwe; and if necessary to take legal action to do so;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 91´«Ã½ commends the Zimbabwe International Book Fair for its stance in support of freedom of expression and human rights as reflected in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be forwarded to the Government of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe International Book Fair Trust.