ARTICLE 19's submission focuses on Zambia’s compliance with its international obligations in respect of freedom of expression.
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – 3 May 2012 – ARTICLE 19: Global Campaign for Free Expression is a non-governmental human rights organisation that works globally to promote and protect freedom of expression and information. ARTICLE 19 has observer status with ECOSOC. With this submission, ARTICLE 19 seeks to make a constructive contribution to the preparation process of the second cycle of the UPR for the Republic of Zambia. Given the expertise of ARTICLE 19, this submission focuses on Zambia’s compliance with its international obligations in respect of freedom of expression.
ARTICLE 19 notes that during the first UPR cycle, the Zambian Government received a number of recommendations related to freedom of expression issues. Specifically, the Government was asked to consider taking steps to change the Defamation Act in the Criminal Code and to swiftly adopt its bill on freedom of information. Although the Government has not responded to these recommendations during the first UPR cycle review, this submission addresses the progress, or the lack of, on these issues. In addition, it provides further information on the developments since the first cycle, including:
– the use of restrictive legislation to suppress freedom of expression,
– incidents of violence and harassment against journalists and human rights defenders,
– media independence and censorship,
– restrictions on the right to association and
– right to peaceful protest.
