The Coalition for the Defence of Democratic Rights (CDDR) roundly condemns comments made by the Vice President of Zambia Guy Scott over his party’s human rights record before the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka. When challenged by journalists on the issue, Guy Scott flatly denied that his government is guilty of human rights abuses, instead brushing aside concerns over the worsening situation in Zambia.
“For the vice president of a nation to casually dismiss serial violations of human rights with a simple denial, instead of actually addressing the substantive issues through constructive dialogue, is shameful and embarrassing,” said Robert Amsterdam, international counsel to the CDDR, representing a wide range of opposition political figures and civil society organizations. “It is exactly this attitude of impunity on behalf of the Patriotic Front that has led the CDDR to seek out independent investigations from international bodies such as the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group.”
In February 2013, the CDDR released an extensive report detailing evidence of human rights abuses and warning of future political violence. Unfortunately, these predictions have been fulfilled, CDDR says, as uncontrolled inter-party violence among the PF cadres has resulted in multiple deaths, while armed militias have repeatedly attacked and harassed opponents of the ruling party.
“For Guy Scott to be talking about human rights at the Commonwealth only a week after dozens were beaten and hacked with machetes represents a total lack of thinking,” said Amsterdam. “Until the PF is prepared to address all the issues raised in our reports – ranging from widespread violence to the jailing of journalists, CDDR will continue collecting facts and witness statements and continue to present evidence of violations to international bodies such as the Commonwealth.”
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