HRC asks ZAWA to restrain from jeopardizing human rights

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has called on the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) to restrain from arbitrary actions that jeopardize people’s human rights.

This HRC has particularly called on ZAWA to treat community members who have encroached in the Kafue National Park in a humane manner.

HRC Director Florence Chibwesha has told Qfm News in a statement that her commission finds disturbing reports and television images of burnt houses, Kiosks, maize sheds and other structures of communities who lived for many years in Nalusanga Game Park.

Ms. Chibwesha says this action constitutes grave violation of economic and social rights of the affected communities.

She states that the burning of houses, properties and food stuffs for the communities that find themselves in conflict with the law are not only arbitrary but also constitute excessive, cruel and inhumane punishment.

Mr. Chibwesha says while ZAWA may have the legitimate reason for protecting wildlife from human encroachment, the authority’s action to redress the situation should not result in a humanitarian crisis.

The HRC Director has advised that ZAWA should exercise caution and restrain from engaging in acts that violate the very human rights they are supposed to be promoting by protecting wildlife.

She says while her commission is calling upon members of the public to also refrain from acts that may endanger wildlife, ZAWA should put in place measures that will mitigate the adverse impact on the rights and livelihoods of people whose houses, property and food stuffs were burnt by its officers.