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Zimbabwe: Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) policy regarding requests from abroad to replace lost membership cards originally issued in Zimbabwe; location of MDC branches and chapters; whether the MDC would indicate, if requested, the date of original membership of the lost card; whether the MDC writes letters to support members' asylum claims

MDC policy on requests from abroad to replace lost membership cards

According to a representative of the MDC Zimbabwe USA office, lost or misplaced MDC membership cards originally issued in Zimbabwe can be replaced by contacting the closest MDC branch (28 June 2006). Membership cards are issued "after verification with [the] Zimbabwe [office] or [the member's] previous branch" and once payment for the card has been received (MDC Zimbabwe USA Office 28 June 2006).

Location of MDC branches and chapters

According to the MDC Website, the organization has branches around the world, including in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand (MDC n.d.). The Website also notes that branches would soon be opening in Sweden and Austria (ibid.).

MDC branches in North America are located in Atlanta, Dallas, Niagara, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and Toronto (MDC Zimbabwe USA Office 28 June 2006; MDC n.d.). There are reportedly "interim chapters" in Boston, California, Chicago, New York (MDC Zimbabwe USA Office 28 June 2006; see also MDC n.d.), and Washington D.C. (MDC Zimbabwe USA Office 28 June 2006).

Indication of date of original membership of lost card

The MDC does not indicate the original membership date of the lost card when a new card is issued (MDC Zimbabwe USA Office 28 June 2006). If requested, however, the organization may provide a letter to "confirm past membership," following membership verification with the Zimbabwe office or the member's previous branch (ibid.).

Whether the MDC writes letters to support members' asylum claims

According to the representative of the MDC Zimbabwe USA office, the MDC writes letters in order to support its members' asylum claims (ibid.). In 28 June 2006 correspondence to the Research Directorate, the representative stated,

MDC does write letters of support and this is done at the branch level or nearest office only after verification of information [is] presented. We look out for our members' best interests (ibid.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). N.d. "MDC Zimbabwe Diaspora." <http://www.mdczimbabwe.org/diaspora.htm> [Accessed 28 June 2006]

MDC Zimbabwe USA Office. 28 June 2006. Correspondence sent to the Research Directorate from a representative.