Zambia commemorates International Human rights day

–Zambia has today joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Human rights day.

The UN General Assembly proclaimed 10 December as Human Rights Day in 1950, to bring to the attention ‘of the peoples of the world the universal declaration of human rights as the common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations.

 

This year’s theme dubbed,” Human Rights 365 Days ,encompasses the idea that every day is Human Rights Day in that everyone, everywhere, at all times is entitled to the full range of human rights because the rights belong equally to each of us and bind us together as a global community with the same ideals and values.

 

 

Acting President Guy Scott who graced the celebrations held at Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka expressed displeasure that proponents of human rights in Zambia have opted to be holding workshops, meetings and seminars instead of being practical to get the root cause in the break-down or violation of human rights.

 

Dr. Scott said Zambia has signed a lot of conventions and treaties yet people’s basic rights were being violated from time to time.

 

And speaking earlier, HRC Director Florence Chibwesha expressed concern over state agents who exert un-reasonable force, unlawful detention and torture on innocent citizens.

 

Ms. Chibwesha called on well-meaning Zambians to promote and uphold human rights as the Commission alone cannot manage.

 

And UN Representative Janet Robin noted that Zambia is an oasis of peace but challenged the Zambian government to domesticate some conventions that she has signed with the international community.

 

Ms. Robin reaffirmed the UN system’s support to helping the government with adequate resources and mobilisation leading to the domestication of the conventions.

 

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon  called on member states to honour their obligation to protect human rights every day of the year.

 

Mr. Ki-moon further called on people to hold their respective governments to account for the violation of human rights cases.