Zambia committed to preventing genocide related crimes - Haimbe

JUSTICE Minister Mulambo Haimbe says Zambia remains committed to upholding international protocols that aim at preventing genocide-related crimes.

He said despite being a beacon of peace, Zambia is not immune to the possibility of genocide and is therefore committed to upholding international protocols that would help prevent genocide and other related humanitarian crimes.

Mr Haimbe said this when he launched the National Committee on the prevention of genocide war crimes, crimes against humanity and all forms of discrimination.

Mr Haimbe says the launch of the National Committee on the prevention of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and all forms of discrimination, is a demonstration of the country’s commitment to fulfilling its international and regional obligations in the prevention of genocide and other atrocities.

He said that extraordinary measures should be taken so as to prevent crimes or genocide, citing corruption, lack of respect for fundamental human rights and high levels of intolerance and hate speech as some of the factors that trigger genocide.

He said working to prevent genocide and other mass atrocities calls for urgent attention, adding that as a preventive measure education on the concept of genocide and other mass atrocities should be promoted.

The minister indicated that the national committee is composed of different expertise drawn from various ministries and organisations.

Mr Haimbe expressed confidence that the members will contribute to the successful functioning of the national committee. Mr Haimbe has since thanked the UN and other cooperating partners for the support rendered to the government in establishing the national committee.

And UN Special Adviser on the prevention of genocide Alice Nderitu commended government for instituting a national committee on the prevention of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and all forms of discrimination.

Ms Nderitu said the establishing of the national committee will go a long way in strengthening measures against preventing genocide crimes.

She commended Zambia for being a beacon of peace on the continent.