statement by Inter-African Network for Human Rights and Development on human rights day

PRESS STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

As the world commemorates the 54th International Human Rights Day today, December 10th, the Inter-African Network for Human Rights and Development (AFRONET) urges all people throughout the world not to forget the very principles that underlie this day.

The Universal Declaration clearly states that: “ All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and therefore everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Zambia in particular has been through trying times in recent months and it is only timely to remind fellow citizens that all are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law.

The government of Zambia must recognize citizen’s fundamental rights and freedoms and Civil Society organisations must strengthen their capacities to educate and disseminate information to the citizenry on their rights.

The government has a responsibility to ensure that all people, irrespective of their classes and status and without and hindrance enjoy their rights as guaranteed by the republican constitution and other international instruments that Zambia is party to.

It is our hope that the envisaged constitutional review team will seriously reflect on the previous attempts, with a view to address the many views expressed so far by members of the public.

Undoubtedly, there are numerous provisions in the constitution that need to be amended for the effective protection of human rights. Equally, there is need for the enactment of progressive and enabling legislation, which target special groups such as women and children, not forgetting the fourth estate.

AFRONET wishes to draw the attention of the government to article 25 of the Universal Declaration which states inter-alia that everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well being of himself and of his family including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.

As we observe this very important date on the calendar, let us all bear in mind that human rights are for all.

Issued by: Information Unit

Date: December 10th, 2002

Authorised By: Ngande Mwanajiti

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR