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The Human Rights Commission (HRC) says Zambia’s decision to co-host the Democracy Summit scheduled for March 29 to 30 2023 is a grand opportunity for continued strengthening of democratic values and enhanced respect for human rights.
Zambia will on March 29, 2023 co-host the democracy summit with the Governments of the United States of America, Costa Rica, the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea.
Commission Spokesperson Mweelwa Muleya says Zambia will have an opportunity to renew her unwavering commitment to strengthening democracy, fighting corruption and protecting human rights.
He said the global platform is key in strengthening democracy and offers an important opportunity for Zambia to continue learning best practices and seeking international support and co-operation towards deepening democratic values and curbing corruption for inclusive and sustainable development.
Mweelwa said another feature of a democracy is the existence of functioning independent oversight institutions that are working towards promoting transparency and accountability, Constitutionalism, the Rule of Law and Human Rights as well as fighting corruption for a better, just and peaceful society.
“Above all, Zambia continues to be one of the role models of a constitutional democracy as demonstrated by the continued successful holding of free and fair elections since 1991, which has resulted into peaceful and democratic transfer of power,” he said.
Mweelwa said clearly, evidence abounds in Zambia that real power belongs to the general populous and those in authority are mere custodian of political power which may be “recalled” by the owners through elections, which is a fundamental pillar of any functioning democracy.
He however said notwithstanding the notable democratic credentials of Zambia, there is need for continued constitutional, legal, institutional, policy, administrative and other reforms aimed at consolidating democracy, good governance and respect for human rights.
“Further, arbitrary law enforcement by some officers and historical challenges in the criminal justice system must be addressed in order to enhance human rights protection and access to justice,” Mweelwa said.
He said there is also need for enhanced understanding and appreciation of democratic values and principles and the fact that the enjoyment of human rights and freedoms carries with its special duties and responsibilities.
“Therefore, by co-hosting the democracy summit with the governments of the United States of America, Costa Rica, the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea, Zambia will have an opportunity to renew her unwavering commitment to strengthening democracy, fighting corruption and protecting human rights,” Mweelwa said.
Contributed by Augustine Sichula
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