The Research and Advocacy Unit [RAU] is an independent, non-governmental organisation. Its Mission is to provide high-quality research for the purposes of relevant and current policy change. RAU is run by a Management Committee composed of experienced researchers and advocacy experts.RAU’s work to date has focused on three major areas that are important in the current crisis in Zimbabwe: Women, Displacements, and Governance. RAU works with a wide variety of Zimbabwean, regional, and international partners in connection with the above areas. RAU also provides independent analyses of important current issues in Zimbabwe, ranging from elections, the Global Political Agreement, legal matters, etc.

Set up in 2006, RAU has produced over 100 reports and opinion pieces on a wide variety of topics. Some reports are issued in RAU’s own name, whilst others are issued in the name of our partner organisations. RAU is a member of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum and has a long-standing partnership with Idasa.

We have recently produced several reports which are very relevant to the current political situation in Zimbabwe, notably 'Bucking the Trends' about the demand for Democracy before the Elections, 'Digging up the Truth' about Indigenisation and Zimplats and 'Every School has a Story' about the intimidation of teachers in the build up to Elections. Our Womens' Section has recently held Focus Discussion Groups with Rural Women affected by Political Violence and have produced several reports using these Womens' testimonies.

Please note, that we are presently reloading many of our previous reports as we have realised that some of them had expired and therefore were no longer downloadable. Take time to check the site occasionally to see if the reports you are interested in are available. Also if you would like copies of specific reports sent to your e-mail contact the Administrator on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Please take time to read our blog with comments on topical issues. Follow this link: http://www.researchandadvocacyunit.wordpress.com/