STATE URGED TO STOP EMERGING HATE CAMPAIGN AGAINST LGBTQI COMMUNITY

THE state must not spare any effort to stop the emerging vicious hate campaign against the LGBTQI community, Human Rights Commission chairperson, Mudford Mwandenga has said.

In a statement, Mr. Mwandenga said the state is obligated to adopt effective measures of protection against private individuals who may violate or threaten to violate the rights to life and security of persons or members of the LGBTQI community in Zambia.

He said it was the HRC’s clarion call that the lives of members of the LGBTQI community should not be sacrificed at the altar of political, religious, or cultural expedience because life is sacrosanct and must be protected.

Mr. Mwandenga said the commission is cognizant of the fact that practicing homosexuality or lesbianism is illegal in Zambia, but it noted the opposition against the practice based on various factors such as religious and cultural beliefs and values.

He however, said that those found in conflict with the law should be treated in a humane manner because they are human beings who are entitled to the protection of their human rights, as enshrined in the bill of rights, as well as international and regional human rights instruments that Zambia is a party to.

He said by virtue of being party to various human rights instruments, Zambia is bound to protect the indivisible and inalienable rights of all citizens, including those found on the wrong side of the law or who come into conflict with the law.

Mr. Mwandenga said the HRC also noted with concern the continued hate speech and threats of physical attacks against people based on their perceived or real sexual orientation and gender identity, which is a violation of the right to personal security, among other rights.