It said it had written to the leaders in the region on the matter and letters had also been sent to heads of state who would attend the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) summit in Mauritius next week.
"The Sadc treaty obliges member states to act in accordance with principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, so the leaders of southern Africa have a special responsibility to respond to the human rights crisis in Zimbabwe," AI said in a statement.
"Although Zimbabwe has been discussed at Sadc summits for the last three years, there has been no improvement in the human rights situation."
The letters denounce a series of alleged "grave human rights abuses" which include repressive laws that are used to criminalise peaceful gatherings, the closure of media outlets and the government's move to end international food aid distribution.
AI claims this is despite independent warnings that millions of Zimbabweans will need food aid in the coming year.
AI also called on the leaders to condemn the Zimbabwean government for its alleged systematic attacks on the independence of judges and lawyers and for its failure to investigate widespread allegations of torture and ill-treatment committed by security forces and "youth" militia.
"Evidence suggests that an escalation in repression in Zimbabwe is already underway, ahead of its parliamentary elections. We are urging Sadc leaders to use this summit to demonstrate their commitment to protect human rights and to hold governments accountable in the Sadc region." – Sapa.
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