Zambia

On Thursday 23rd July, 2009, the Human Rights Commission launched the second Annual State of Human Rights in Zambia 2008 Report. The first report was published in 2007. The reports are intended to highlight the human rights situation in the country in selected thematic areas. In addition, they are meant to be both an educational and advocacy tool on human rights issues in Zambia.

The 2008 report brings out issues around constitutionalism and human rights in the country. The Report focuses on a key area for the protection of human rights which is the legal provision provided by the state. It specifically looks at the rule of law and the role of the Judiciary as well as the police in protecting human rights. The report has attempted to examine selected individual rights and the extent of enjoyment of human rights under democratic governance. UNDP has been providing both technical and financial assistance to the Zambian Human Rights Commission in advocating and promoting Human Rights through Annual Human Rights Reports; implementation of Human Rights community radio programmes; HIV response from Human Rights dimension; Human Rights mainstreaming into business management; and the development of the Human Rights communication strategy.

Speaking at the launch of the report, UNDP Country Director Ms Viola Morgan stated that as the report provides some worrying insights into instances where the practical application of legal provisions is left wanting due to poor resources or lack of awareness, it provides an opportunity for the Government of the Republic of Zambia to gain greater understanding of those constraints or resource gaps which are affecting the successful protection and promotion of human rights for all Zambians. She further stated that the issue of human rights is very important the UN system and their protection and promotion formed the basis of all the system’s work in Zambia. “Without respect for and protection of human rights, it is hard to see how Zambia will achieve its national development goals and the Millennium Development Goals: How can we expect to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, reduce child mortality and improve maternal health or promote gender equality and empower women, if we do not protect the right to life, the right to education, the right to health, the elimination of discrimination and so on?” Ms. Morgan stated.  She further appealed to the Government of the Republic of Zambia to consider hastening the full domestication of the various conventions which the government already ratified.

The launch was attended representatives from the National Assembly, the Human Rights Commission, Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to Zambia, The Inspector General of Police and Senior Government Officials