2. Views expressed on the outcome by States
members and observers of the Council
828. China welcomed the honest and serious attitude shown by Zambia during the review. It noted that Zambia had made positive progress in the promotion and protection of human rights, not only in building a comprehensive system of human rights norms and human rights protection but also in formulating and implementing many human rights measures. China also noted the progress made in ensuring judicial justice and the rights to education, housing and health. Finally, it noted with appreciation the frank and open attitude of Zambia in dealing with many difficulties and challenges in the field of human rights.
829. Algeria congratulated Zambia for the report and commended Zambia on its commitments to promote and protect human rights as well as to cooperate with the universal periodic review. Algeria was encouraged by Zambia’s acceptance to strengthen its efforts on gender issues and to address extreme poverty and its impact on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, including regarding vulnerable groups such as girl children and those affected by HIV/AIDS. It also encouraged Zambia to pursue its efforts to improve its educational system, the living conditions of detainees and to seek international assistance for implementing its objectives.
830. Ireland applauded the broad consultations with civil society in the preparation of the national report and encouraged Zambia to deepen this engagement in addressing the issues raised during the process. It welcomed that Zambia has accepted 19 recommendations and has agreed to examine 11 others. It also welcomed that Zambia has extended a standing invitation to all special procedures. It took note that the improvement of prison conditions is being addressed and recommended the continued prioritization of such an improvement. It also welcomed progress made by Zambia in incorporating the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women into domestic law and urged the full implementation of this instrument. It noted with appreciation that Zambia has recognized the need for reforms in relation to laws on freedom of expression. It also expressed the hope that Zambia will abolish the death penalty. Finally, Ireland asked for information, in due course, about the mechanisms to be developed to ensure follow-up on the recommendations and invited Zambia to update the Council on progress made, even before the next review.
831. Nigeria was pleased both by the transparency demonstrated by Zambia throughout the review process and by its initiatives aimed at ensuring the implementation of the various recommendations formulated during the review. As a developing country, Nigeria also recognized the challenges faced by Zambia in its efforts to promote and protect the rights of its citizens and called on the international community to complement Zambia’s efforts in this regard.
832. Switzerland noted with appreciation the constructive and cooperative spirit showed by Zambia during the entire exercise. It welcomed that, amongst the 19 recommendations accepted by Zambia, several aim at improving the situation of women and children. As regards the situation of women, it welcomed the fact that Zambia wishes to incorporate systematically a gender perspective in the follow-up to the review. Aware of the challenges that Zambia faces, it noted however that the allocation of resources for the implementation of national programmes for children should be a priority. It noted in particular the situation of children belonging to vulnerable groups as regards, among other things, their access to health and education. According to Switzerland, particular attention should be given to girl children. It encouraged Zambia to implement the recommendations accepted and to continue to work with civil society to this effect.
833. Uganda congratulated Zambia on taking steps to address the bottlenecks in its justice system and for the measures that have been taken to put legislation in place to mainstream gender issues, particularly the challenge of gender-based violence. Uganda also noted that legislative measures and strategies that deal with issues of reproductive health to reduce both maternal and child mortality will go a long way to improve and develop health services and the delivery of health care to the most vulnerable groups, women and children. It stated that HIV/AIDS has compounded the problem of child labour, not only in Zambia but on the whole African continent, as child-headed families are forced to fend for themselves thus depriving them
of the right to education. It highly commended Zambia on having taken a holistic approach to deal with all those issues, and appreciated Zambia’s commitment to implementing the recommendations made during the review.
834. Botswana welcomed the additional information provided in responses to some of the issues raised during the review, which demonstrates the positive and constructive commitment of Zambia in the whole exercise of the review process. The fact that Zambia accommodates some of the recommendations made shows its commitment to placing a high priority on the promotion and protection of human rights. It expressed hope that Zambia will benefit from the full support and understanding of the international community and an allowance of sufficient policy space to meet its international obligations in the context of human rights. It also commended Zambia on its resolve to embrace civil society as partners in the review process.
835. Franciscans International, in line with the recommendations already formulated, suggested that the Government of Zambia continue and strengthen its efforts to guarantee free and compulsory basic education. It also suggested that the Government support civil society organizations that provide basic education services and involve them in a permanent and open dialogue. It expressed serious concern about the high number of street children, who are exposed to trafficking, physical and sexual abuse, forced labour and even police brutality. It called on Zambia to follow up on the recommendations expressed during the universal periodic review to develop and implement an effective strategy of assistance and prevention for street children in order to protect and guarantee their rights. Zambia should also give maximum priority to the recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child. Echoing concern expressed by the Committee, it called on the Government to urgently develop and implement a specific assistance and protection programme for orphans. It finally welcomed Zambia’s commitment to continue engaging with all the stakeholders in the follow-up to the universal periodic review.
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