United Nations Human Rights Committee

Republic of Zambia

The issues facing the United Nations Human Rights Committee are:

1. the Use of Torture and Degrading Treatment against War Prisoners;

2. the Violation of Rights of Refugees.

The Use of Torture and Degrading Treatment against War Prisoners.

The Republic of Zambia is extremely concerned with the issue at stake. In line with the principle of
protection against inhuman treatment as stated in the country’s Constitution, Zambia accessed to the United
Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in
1998 and is currently involved in a process aimed at increasing the respect of Convention’s principles. As for
the situation inside the country, Zambia has been especially working on Police Service reforms aiming at
lessening cases of police human rights violations. In this sense, this delegation would like to remind the
economic efforts which are connected to this reform.
As far as the specific condition of war prisoners is concerned and taking especially into account the
current international situation, the Republic of Zambia is firmly convinced that the same principles of human
rights protection should be considered.
In order to find a solution to this problem, our country recalls the need of a multilateral commitment with
the aim of strengthening the UN Convention against torture with special reference to war prisoners. Since a
general condemn of this type of treatment is openly shared by the state members of this committee, this
commitment should particularly focus on:

 Fighting impunity for those who commit such crimes both at national and international level. Each
government should legally sue torturers and possible forms of sanctions for those countries which
actively even though not openly support them should be evaluated;

 Increasing transparency on the condition of war prisoners. Reports of United Nations Agencies and Non
Governmental Organisations on this matter with special reference to areas at risk should be taken into
consideration. Secrecy should be avoided even if always bearing in mind the need of security and the
sovereignty of each state;

 making the already existing UN Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture more effective;

 bringing to the attention of the public opinion human rights violations as so to underline the negative
effects of inhuman treatment against prisoners.

The Republic of Zambia would like to offer its support to the debate, since this delegation is convinced
that even if the path has been set there is work to be done in order to make the guiding principles shared by
this committee effective.
 The Violation of Rights of Refugees

Being home to about 150,000 refugees, including 29,000 refugees coming from Angola and 61,000
coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Zambia is deeply involved in this issue and
has in the past been working in order to find solution to the problem, first of all internally. In recent years,
one of the main efforts concerning the problem has been the development of a more sustainable legislation
on refugees, with particular consideration to the question of those who wish to remain in the country
indefinitely. Primary attention has also been given to the question of local integration of refugees. The so
called Zambia Initiative, which aimed at the economic and social empowerment of Angolan refugees, proved
that refugees are not necessarily a burden for a country but can contribute the economy and society of the
host state. Considering the positive changes in Angola, over a three-year period almost 70,000 Angolan
refugees repatriated spontaneously, while for those coming from Rwanda and DRC an organized repatriation
did not take place.
Zambia must recognize that this would not have been possible without the support of international
organisations such as UNHCR, which in 2006 assisted physically and financially about 80,000 refugees and
was particularly important in all the process related to this issue. In this sense, the development of a even
tighter global partnership concerning this question is considered essential.
Therefore, the Republic of Zambia would like to bring to the attention of the committee its firm belief
that any credible solution to the problem should be developed at various levels, which should include:

 The current situation of refugees-receiving states. This delegation thinks that the host country should
work in close contact with UN agencies and NGOs in order to provide refugees and asylum-seekers with
adequate assistance, which should include but be not limited to the material aspect. A clear legislation on
the matter should in fact be developed and made known to those in need, especially in order to make the
whole procedure of seeking asylum transparent. Special attention should be awarded to the situation of
children, the elderly and women and to the need of local integration for those who cannot be repatriated.
As far as repatriation is concerned, Zambia would like to recall the right non-refoulment as openly stated
in the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. Moreover, it is extremely important
for host countries to be always supported by the international community.

 Prevention against new massive flows of refugees, keeping in mind its strong connection to questions
such as the effective use of preventive diplomacy, sustainable economic and environmental development
and the defence of human rights. From this point of view, more effective studies on the causes of
refugees flow should be encouraged.

 Preparation in case emergencies should arise, which the international community should be prepared to
face. This delegations recalls on this subject the guiding principles of the XXII Conclusion of the
Executive Committee of UNHCR.

 The condition of internally displaced persons (IDPs) , who can not leave their countries even if escaping
from difficult situations. At present IDPs do not receive proper assistance and are particularly vulnerable
to human rights abuses and neglect. The work of the Representative of the Secretary-General on the
human rights of internally displaced persons should be made more effective.

Being extremely involved in the issue as refugees-receiving state, the Republic of Zambia looks forward
to offering its support, in whatever form possible, to nations willing to participate to this debate.