Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
William Harrington Former Transport and Communications Minister
A concerned citizen has appealed to Justice Minister Given Lubinda to consider deferring nationwide consultation on whether or not Zambia should remain a member of the International Criminal Court.
William Harrington says there is need for more sensitisation and education of the people on this sensitive subject as the majority of citizens are not or may not be knowledgeable enough about the establishment and mandate of the ICC.
In his letter to the Minister, Mr Harrington says this is notwithstanding the unjustifiable expenditure of K2 million in the midst of poverty, unemployment, unpaid retirees and insecurity in the nation.
He says many citizens would be happy to know why or what necessitated or compelled Zambia to apply for membership of the ICC in the first place and indeed what has now changed that Zambia should institute a debate on the matter through countrywide consultations.
Mr Harrington says Government needs to tell the people what are the advantages and/or disadvantages of ICC membership so they are better able to make enlightened and educated submissions.
A team from the Ministry of Justice will on Monday, 27th March to 31st May, 2017 embark on nationwide consultations to receive submissions from members of the public in 33 selected districts in all the 10 provinces on Zambia’s ICC membership status.