Statement by Gordon Brown on the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, 6 December 2008
For once I agree with the Government of Zimbabwe - This is a national emergency. Thousands are stricken with cholera and must be helped urgently.
But that’s where my agreement with the Mugabe regime ends. For this is now an international rather than a national emergency.
International because disease crosses borders. International because the systems of Government in Zimbabwe are now broken. There is no state capable or willing of protecting its people.
International because - not least in the week of the 60th anniversary of the universal declaration of human rights - we must stand together to defend human rights and democracy, to say firmly to Mugabe that enough is enough.
In the coming days we will focus our effort on:
Getting aid to those who most need it - our difference with Mugabe will not prevent us doing so. Our first priority is to prevent more deaths, through distribution of rehydration and testing packs. We also want to see the establishment of a command and control structure in Harare, bringing together donors, officials and NGOs to ensure that there are no impediments to getting aid though.
Regional mobilisation. I have been in close contact with African leaders to press for stronger action to give the Zimbawean people the Government they deserve.
Wider international action. I hope that the Security Council will meet to urgently consider Zimbabwe. I call on Zimbabwe to permit visits of Senior UN envoys, and remain appalled that the Elders Group led by Kofi Annan were prevented access.
The people of Zimbabwe voted for a better future. It is our duty to support that aspiration.
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