Informed sources have told us that the decision to withdraw the Peace Corps from Nigeria early this year was due in large part to a deteriorating human rights climate there
Homophobia In Zimbabwe
Peace Corps handled the recent anti-gay rhetoric of Zimbabwe's president Mugabe in a low-key but direct manner. Concerns were expressed by a group of volunteers in training for Zimbabwe about Mugabe's recent homophobic remarks, which characterized homosexuality as anti-family and brought to Zimbabwe by foreigners. Although no one doubts Mugabe's feelings on the subject, observers have indicated that his anti-gay position is coming at a time of rising political dissension in Zimbabwe and may be part of a strategy to combat a widespread human and political rights movement.
Peace Corps asked the country director to assess the situation and talk with current volunteers there to determine if Mugabe's remarks would negatively impact any of the education or small business advisory projects currently being staffed. In-country staff and volunteers indicated that while the remarks were disturbing, they saw no immediate impact on Peace Corps projects.
The 31 trainees left for Zimbabwe in early October. They received diversity training during staging. Reportedly, as part of this training, all volunteers were told about a local lesbian and gay organization in Zimbabwe that might be able to provide information and support. We don't know of any lesbian, gay or bisexual volunteers currently in Zimbabwe (there are about 50 PCVs), but a few are likely. We're pleased that Peace Corps dealt openly on this issue with staff and volunteers in Zimbabwe.
Current human rights issues in Zimbabwe are reminiscent of others that have occurred in which the Peace Corps has responded in different ways depending on the severity of human rights violations and the political climate at home. Informed sources have told us that the decision to withdraw the Peace Corps from Nigeria early this year was due in large part to a deteriorating human rights climate there. The recent executions of nine minority rights and environmental activists and Nigeria's subsequent suspension from the Commonwealth indicate that Peace Corps' earlier withdrawal was clearly warranted. On the other hand, Peace Corps remained in other countries, like Malawi, for years even though severe human rights violations were widespread.
Peace Corps can not control the social and political values of people in host countries, particularly those of leaders and elected officials, but human rights can be a condition of Peace Corps presence. And Peace Corps can be open with volunteers and staff about the realities of the situation and, as in this case, do what it can to support lesbian, gay, and gay-friendly volunteers and staff. We urge Peace Corps to continue to carefully monitor the human rights situation in Zimbabwe and every other host country where individual and group rights are threatened.
