NEW GATHERINGS LAW SHOULD PROTECT RIGHT TO ASSEMBLY, ENSURE PUBLIC ORDER – SWEDISH AMBASSADOR
By Kombe Chimpinde Mataka
SWEDISH Ambassador to Zambia Johan Hellenborg says Sweden hopes that future public order Act will be in line with international best practices and guidelines, limiting potential restrictions to public gatherings.
And SACCORD says a more holistic reform process is needed to deal with the efficiency and accountability gaps.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day training for mid-level commanders of the Zambia Police on human rights compliant policing of public assemblies organised by Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) and the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), Ambassador Hellenborg said Sweden is impressed with the significant political commitment and dedication that stakeholders have placed on recognising the need for police reform and reform of the public order Act.
He hoped the current momentum continues
and leads to a vibrant debate in parliament, amongst the public, civil society and in the media on the draft bill in the coming weeks.
“This should ensure the future Act serves to protect the Zambia population’s right to assembly, while also ensuring public order and public safety. We hope that the future Act will be in line with international and regional best practices and guidelines, limiting
potential restrictions to public gatherings,” he said.
“A clear new public gatherings Act in support of facilitation would provide needed guidance to the Zambia Police Service in fulfilling their duty of protecting and promoting fundamental human rights.”
He said in any democratic state, the police played a key role in protecting fundamental rights including freedom of peaceful
assembly.
“They are tasked with guaranteeing public order whether during large-scale public events or when people choose to exercise their legitimate rights to peaceful public protest. Police are called upon to protect fundamental rights while at the same time protecting the safety of crowds and property,” Ambassador Hellenborg noted.
“These major and complex responsibilities fall on the shoulders of the men and women of the Zambia Police Service around the country, some of whom are with us today for this important training workshop.”
He said a legislative framework that promotes human rights, internal policies, guidelines and procedures on public order policing and use of force, strong accountability mechanisms and training was key in
supporting such a mission.
SACCORD executive director Boniface Cheembe said better policing for any country provided several benefits to society.
“As ultimately, the police service get to command better, for credibility, respect and legitimacy by citizens,” said Cheembe.
DCAF programme manager Gabriel Kaprielian commended the government for the draft public gathering bill under the Zambia Law Development Commission.
She said she hoped the workshop would enhance knowledge of mid-level officers’ role in managing public gatherings as well as provide practical skills in crowd management.
And Zambia Police commissioner for operations Roy Kachimba said police are required to work within the confines of the law to guarantee Zambians their civil and political rights.
He said the institution should start preparing itself for the new changes and challenges yet
to come.
“This course would not have come at a better time than now,” said Kachimba while urging officers to take the course seriously.
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