Gov’t shun human rights defenders summit

THE shunning of the Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Summit held in Zambia by the government has saddened the organization.

Executive director, Washingtone Katema said it was disappointing that the government had shunned the summit especially that the country was chosen to host the annual meeting for its impressive record of upholding democracy.

Mr Katema said in an interview that it was shocking that the government officials who were informed of the summit said they were not aware of the existence of the Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders as an organization.

He disclosed that the organisation worked closely with some people who were now serving in government and wondered whether it was the transition that has changed everything.

“I am really disappointed that we could not have any representative from the government and what really shocked me was some of the officials saying they do not know about Southern Defenders yet we have been working together before they were in government,” Mr Katema said.

Mr Katema however said he was happy that the summit was a success, creating a platform to have a critical conversation aimed at defining and learning their priorities and what needed to be done to improve the situation of human rights defenders.

And Human Rights Defender, Fumba Chama said it was uninspiring not to have a government official present at the summit because it was the responsibility of everyone to side with the ideals that are good for people.

Mr. Chama who is People’s Action for Accountability and Good Governance in Zambia Director said it would have been inspiring to have the government endorse the summit that was focusing on protecting and promoting human rights.