U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Zambia
As delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Zambia
42nd Session
Delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
The United States welcomes the delegation of Zambia led by Minister of Justice Mulambo Haimbe and we welcome the opportunity to serve on the troika to prepare Zambia’s report.
We commend Zambia’s renewed focus on improving its human rights record and commitment to democracy since its August 2021 elections. The United States is delighted that Zambia has agreed to host the Summit for Democracy in March of this year.
In the spirit of constructive engagement, we recommend that Zambia:
- Amend the 1955 Public Order Act and the 2021 Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act to uphold freedom of assembly, the freedom of expression, and protection for privacy as enshrined in the Constitution.
- Repeal laws that criminalize consensual sexual conduct between adults and ensure all persons in Zambia are treated equally under the law.
- Enact legislation providing and protecting a right to request access to government records and information.
We wish Zambia a successful UPR. I thank you.
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