Parley Graces Launch of 2008 State of Human Rights Report

Posted Oct 28, 2009

The Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House of the National Assembly of Zambia, Hon. Mkhondo Lungu, MP officially launched the HRC 2008 State of Human Rights Report on July 23, at Lusaka Museum in Lusaka.

Hon. Lungu stated that the theme of ‘constitutionalism’ adopted for the report came at a very opportune time saying “it could not have come at a better time than now when the country is reviewing its Constitution.”

Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, Mrs. Pixie Yagailo, said the Government should perceive and seize the launch of report as an opportunity for achieving a variety of objectives that include continuing the process of promoting and enhancing respect for human rights.

“We are in an era that calls for bridging the gap between the rhetoric and reality in respect of human rights protection and promotion, a time when we should be looking to implementation of the human rights standards we have committed ourselves to,” she said.

UNDP Country Director Ms. Viola Morgan said the report provided some worrying insights into instances where the practical applications of legal provisions is left wanting due to poor resources or luck of awareness.

Among those in attendance at the launch in Lusaka were members of the cooperating partners, Zambia Police, NCC, representatives from concerned government institutions, civil society organizations and HRC Commissioners and staff.

Following the launch in Lusaka, HRC carried out month-long activities in form of drama performances, radio programmes, inter-schools human rights quiz and soccer which characterized the launch of the report in the provinces.