HRC calls for drafting of a Bill to amend POA

The Human Rights Commission has called for the urgent implementation of President Edgar Lungu’s directive for the drafting of a Bill to amend the Public Order Act.

HRC Chairperson Mudford Mwandenga has expressed concern over the manner the Public Order Act has continued to be implemented.

Speaking in Lusaka today during the post-election national conference on the implementation of the public order,  Mr. Mwandenga says the ministry of justice should quickly draft a bill to amend the Public Order Act in order to protect the rights of political parties to freely associate.

He says it is sad that freedom of assembly has continued to be infringed upon even when the country is no longer a one party state.

Mr Mwandenga says there is need for the country to take introspection on how the rights to freedom of assembly and expression are being regulated.

He states that it is important for state actors and non-state actors to engage each other in order to understand and appreciate where the real problem is and chart the way forward towards improving promotion and protection of rights.