Human Rights Activist

Keith Goddard : the human rights activist and change agent

Keith Goddard and KUNZWANA Trust have always been committed to the promotion and dissemination of the human rights creed. He and the organisations he was working for have had no choice but to react in the strongest terms against the atrocities committed against the Ndebele people and the continuing gross violations of the rights of individuals in Zimbabwe. Furthermore KUNZWANA Trust has been supporting the ever-growing number of local performing artists who are committed to promote the fundamental principles of social justice and human rights.

Keith was also Director of the Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ), an organisation which represents a community subjected to intense discrimination, harassment and violence, all of which is sanctioned and encouraged by the organs of state. GALZ's activities and cultural projects are intended to dismantle the prejudice and demonstrate forcibly that homosexuals co-exist within African cultures and are deserving of the same rights as others in society. Keith oversaw the setting up of a counselling hotline and started HIV/AIDS campaigns. Representing GALZ, Keith also sat on the board of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (ZHR). There is a distinct linkage between his commitment for the promotion of social justice and human rights in general and for minority rights in particular.

Keith Goddard in OutRage!

“It is therefore with great sadness that I learn of the continuing harassment of the human rights group, Gays & Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ), in particular the arrest of GALZ leader, Keith Goddard, on charges of forced sodomy - despite the police possession of evidence that the alleged "victim" had been attempting to blackmail and extort money from Goddard. Knowing Keith Goddard personally, it is inconceivable that he would ever use sexual force or pressure. He is a most gentle, considerate man, to whom any form of coercive sex would be abhorrent. Personally, and on behalf of the lesbian and gay human rights group OutRage!, I urge you to intervene to ensure that these absurd, unjust and uncorroborated charges against Keith Goddard are dropped.”

Peter Tatchell / OutRage! In a letter to Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe

Human rights and capability

Keith Goddard
2007-09-19

Keith Goddard of the organisation Gay and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) suggests that attitudes towards LGBTI rights are a 'litmus test for any democracy'. Human rights must be all inclusive in protecting 'minorities from the excesses of the majority as they protect populations from excesses of the state'.

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/43384

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