In May 2005 the Government of Zimbabwe launched a clean-up operation of its cities known as“Murambatsvina”. It was described as a programme to enforce bylaws to stop all forms of alleged“illegal activities in areas such as vending, illegal structures, illegal cultivation” among others in its cities. Concerned by the adverse impact of the Operation on the lives of the urban poor, the Secretary-General of the United Nations appointed a Special Envoy on Human Settlements Issues to assess the situation and present recommendations on how the conditions of those affected may be addressed.This report provides the findings and recommendations of the Special Envoy for her mission undertaken between 26 June and 8 July, 2005, in Zimbabwe.