Scott disppointed with failure to arrest political thugs

Acting Republican President Guy Scott says there is need for the people of Zambia to be more practical when dealing with human rights issues.

Dr Scott has expressed disappointment that to date, nothing has been done over the attack on the bus that was carrying PF delegates to the general conference in Kabwe from Livingstone.

He says the delegates were attacked in broad day light by thugs with machetes from Inter City bus terminus, but that to date police have not brought to book the culprits.

Speaking when he graced the commemoration of the International Day of Human Rights in Lusaka today, Dr. Scott noted that Zambians are good at talking, but cannot act appropriately.

He feels Zambians should become more practical when it comes to dealing with human rights cases, stating that 50 years after independence, Zambia should have been among the countries that have addressed human rights issues adequately.

Speaking at the same event, UN Resident Coordinator Janet Rogan called on all political parties to respect the Electoral Code of conduct during the ongoing campaigns.

Ms Rogan says there is need for the country to be at peace during the campaign period.

Speaking earlier, Human Rights Commission Director Florence Chibwesha says the commission is saddened by reports that torture and use of force by some state agencies has continued in the country despite many efforts to curb the vice.

Ms Chibwesha says unlawful detention, sexual violence against women and children should also be fought head on in a bid to promote human rights.

And Commonwealth African Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights Chairperson Michael Kaingu says parliamentarians have remained instrumental to the promotion of human rights.

Dr. Kaingu says the committee is mandated to influence parliament to formulate laws that promote human rights and that they will work hard to ensure that parliament plays a role in the promotion of human rights.

This year’s International Human Rights day is being commemorated under the theme; ‘Human Rights 360’.