Correct human rights record first – Kateka

…says this is necessary before Zambia is readmitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council after losing its seat last year

By BARNABAS ZULU

NEW Heritage Party president Chishala Kateka has called on the United Nations Human Rights Council to ensure that Zambia addresses its alleged human rights violations before being readmitted to the global body.
Zambia has applied to be readmitted to the Council after losing its seat last year.
Speaking in an interview in Lusaka yesterday, Ms Kateka said the country’s human rights record has deteriorated and must be corrected before any consideration for re-admission is made.
“As a country, we must be honest with ourselves. Zambia’s human rights record has deteriorated, and this is something that must be corrected before we can seek readmission to the United Nations Human Rights Council,” she said.
Ms Kateka alleged that there are growing cases of abuse of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and assembly.
“There are gross human rights violations taking place in our country. Citizens are living in fear, and those who speak out are intimidated. This is not the Zambia we want to present to the international community,” she said.
She questioned whether the Council would accept Zambia’s application in light of the current concerns.
“One wonders whether the Council will accept Zambia’s application when there are so many unresolved issues relating to governance and the rule of law. We must first put our house in order,” Ms Kateka said.
She also said respect for human rights should not be treated as a formality but as a fundamental principle of democratic governance.
“Human rights are not a favour from the government to its citizens. They are constitutional guarantees that must be upheld at all times.
If we fail to respect them, then our credibility on the international stage is compromised,” she added.
Ms Kateka urged authorities to demonstrate genuine commitment to reforms and to ensure that law enforcement agencies operate within the confines of the law.
“If we are serious about reclaiming our position on the global human rights platform, then we must show measurable progress.
That includes respecting court orders, protecting civil liberties and ensuring that political players operate in a free and fair environment,” she said.