IFLA protests closure of British Council Library in Zimbabwe

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) has protested to His Excellency Mr Robert Mugabe, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe about the closure of the British Council Library and Information Service in Harare on 8 May 2001 and until further notice.

Mr Alex Byrne, Chair of the IFLA Committee on Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression, said "Librarians around the world are dismayed to learn of the closure of the British Council library service in Harare as a result of intimidation. We understand that this is part of a pattern of intimidation of international non-governmental organisations."

"The security of the premises no longer allow the staff to safely carry out their daily duties in a satisfactory manner, nor can it guarantee free and unhampered passage for the clients."

The consequence of the closure of a facility such as the British Council Library will deny a great number of citizens of Zimbabwe free access to information and to the services normally provided by the Library for an indefinite and, we fear, long period of time. Mr Byrne noted "It removes a facility which has been of tremendous educational, social and economic benefit to Zimbabwe for many years."

IFLA has called on the Government of Zimbabwe to take measures instantly to ensure that the British Council Library and Information Service can be reopened very soon and that the safety of its staff, clients and premises can be safeguarded and free access to information restored.

Contacts:
Mr Alex Byrne, Chair, IFLA Committee on Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression, Sydney, Australia.
Tel: +61 2 9514 3332
Fax: + 61 2 9514 3331
E-mail: alex.byrne@uts.edu.au

Ms Susanne Seidelin, Director, IFLA FAIFE Office, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Tel: +45 3258 6066 est 532 4637
E-mail: sus@db.dk

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