ZAMBIA COMMITS TO FIGHT CRUELTY, INHUMAN TREATMENT

MINISTER of Justice Mulambo Haimbe has reiterated Zambia’s commitment to the global fight for life and protection of all persons against cruel and inhuman treatment.

Mr Haimbe made the remarks during the 13th International Meeting of Justice Ministers currently underway in Rome, Italy under auspices of the Community of Sant’ Egidio.

The theme of the meeting is: No Justice Without Life.

The Community of Sant’Egidio has been the leader in the international campaign against the death penalty since the mid-1990s and it has continued its campaign through a number of noteworthy events and meetings.

In attendance were Ministers of Justice, the diplomatic community, the clergy, academics, students and other dignitaries from across the globe.

Mr Haimbe urged the meeting to not lose sight of the plight of victims of capital offences while seeking to abolish the death penalty globally.

“Zambia in the process of abolishing the death penalty was and is still alive to the need for training to be given to the police and sensitizing the public in order to prevent the incidence of capital offences” Mr Haimbe said.

He said measures should be put in place to mitigate the suffering of victims who have lost loved ones during the commission of crimes punishable by death.

The Minister underscored the importance of sharing information and experiences whilst searching for solutions.

Accordingly, as an abolitionist state, Zambia is looking forward to learning from other countries with experience in this field.

On 23rd December 2022, President Hakainde Hichilema signed into law the abolishment of the death penalty. Zambia thus becomes the 25tth sub-Saharan African nation to abolish the death penalty.