HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION CALLS UPON GOVERNMENT TO AVERT HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AMIDST AFLATOXINS PRESENCE IN MAIZE PRODUCTS
The Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”) is calling upon the Government to take all necessary precautionary measures to prevent human rights violations amidst the potential human and environmental health risks, of the reported presence of aflatoxins in maize grain, animal feed and mealie meal distributed on the Zambian market.
The Government’s confirmation of the presence of aflatoxins in maize-related products and animal feed is a matter of serious public concern. It is a stark reminder of the need for businesses in the food production sector to comply with safety and human rights standards in the supply chain. The United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights mandate business entities to respect human rights and address adverse human rights impacts in all aspects of their businesses, from the sourcing of raw materials right through to the eventual distribution and consumption of their products. The Government also has the direct responsibility of ensuring that businesses comply with the UN Guiding Principles in order to protect citizens from adverse impacts bordering on human rights violations.
The Commission commends the Government for taking prompt action to address aflatoxins contamination in the identified maize-related products. However, there is urgent need to ensure that all the business enterprises in the food production sector, and particularly those whose products have been found to contain elevated levels of aflatoxins, operate in conformity with the set safety standards, all applicable public health and safety laws and respect for human rights.
In the meantime, the Commission is urging Government to act swiftly and put in place urgent measures to prevent the consumption of any of the contaminated maize products. In order to avert a public health emergency, Government must immediately consider a full range of preventative and remedial measures, such as halting further distribution and instant removal from the market, of the affected maize products.
The Commission further calls upon the Government to ensure a constant supply of unadulterated maize and maize-related products to avoid a shortage of the staple food and ensure its availability, accessibility and affordability on the market . This will ensure that the general citizenry is guaranteed their rights to food and dignity. The Commission will continue to monitor the situation and engage the Government and other relevant stakeholders towards ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights for all.
Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo
CHAIRPERSON
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION