Since President Robert Mugabe began seizing white-owned farms in 1999, the country has been plunged into a state of severe economic and political decline. Though whites in Zimbabwe made up only 1% of the population, they controlled approximately 70% of the commercially arable land in the country. When that land was allocated to political supporters of Mugabe, agricultural production saw a sharp decline and the country now faces high inflation and severe food shortages. Once known as a jewel among Africa's countries, it is now known to possess one of Africa's toughest regimes.

Zimbabwe has a history of conflict between white settlers and nationals that has only been exacerbated by Mugabe's extremist mode of thought. His tradition of heavy-handed leadership and anti-Western sentiments has bred a nation filled with political strife and repressive governance. Restrictive media laws and hostile attitudes toward political opposition have caused an increase in violence and hostility between the Zimbabwean people and Mugabe's ZANU-PF (Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front) government. In 2005, the government demolished many poor slum areas in an effort to "drive out the trash." After this period of forced evictions, internally displaced persons and refugees are suffering not only from a loss of employment and food insecurity but are also believed to live in credible fear of persecution. Because they are looking for work, many of the refugees crossing the border into countries such as South Africa have been named "economic migrants" and therefore cannot be considered true political refugees.

In July of this year, a summit of African heads of state provides an opportunity to mobilize efforts to protect human rights in Zimbabwe. Additionally, with a presidential election only a year and a half away, pressure from neighboring countries to change Zimbabwe's leadership may be the best option for ending the crisis. The international community should work toward monitoring the election process and ensuring that civil society can cast its vote. Although many international organizations continue to bring attention to the crisis, Zimbabwe deserves a greater call to action.

A country profile for Zimbabwe can be found at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1064589.stm