Submitted30March2017

SubmissionbyCIVICUS:WorldAllianceforCitizenParticipation,NGOinGeneralConsultativeStatuswithECOSOC

And

ZambiaCouncilforSocialDevelopment(ZCSD)

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation

CIVICUS UPR Lead: Teldah Mawarire, Email: teldah.mawarire@civicus.org

Ms Renate Bloem, Email: renate.bloem@civicus.org

Tel: +41 22 733 3435 Web: www.civicus.org

ZCSD:ZambiaCouncilforSocial

Development

ZCSD UPR Lead: Mr Lewis Mwape, Email: lewis.mwape69@gmail.com

Tel: +260 977 806176

Web: www.thezcsd.org.zm

ZAMBIA

Joint Submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review

28th Session of the UPR Working Group

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1. (A) Introduction

1.1 CIVICUS isaglobalallianceofcivil societyorganisationsandactivistsdedicatedtostrengtheningcitizenactionandcivilsocietyaroundtheworld.Foundedin1993,weproudly promotemarginalised voices, especially from the Global South, and havemembersinmorethan170countriesthroughouttheworld.

1.2 Establishedin1974ZambiaCouncilforSocialDevelopment(hereafterZCSD)isanationalumbrellabodyofcivilsocietyorganisations(CSOs)whosemaingoalispromotingavibrant,independentandwell-coordinatedcivilsocietysectorinZambia.

1.3 In this document, CIVICUS and ZCSD examine the Government of Zambia’scompliancewithitsinternationalhumanrightsobligationstocreateandmaintainasafe and enabling environment for civil society. Specifically, we analyse Zambia’sfulfillment of the rights to freedom of association, assembly, and expression andunwarrantedrestrictionsonhumanrightsdefenders(HRDs)sinceitspreviousUPRexaminationin2012.Zambiaislistedas‘obstructed’intheCIVICUSMonitorwhichevaluates protection of the freedoms of expression, association and peacefulassembly globally. 1 To this end, we assess Zambia’s implementation ofrecommendations received during the 2nd UPR cycle relating to these issues andprovideanumberofspecific,action-orientatedfollow-uprecommendations.

1.4 During the 2nd UPR cycle, the Government of Zambia received six (6)

recommendationsrelatingtocivicspace.Oftheserecommendations,three(3)wereaccepted and three (3)were noted. An evaluation of a range of legal sources andhuman rights documentation addressed in subsequent sections of this submissiondemonstratethattheGovernmentofZambiahasnotimplementedthreeofthefourrecommendations relating to civil society space. The government has partiallyimplemented the recommendation to “Lobby for and implement access toinformation legislationtoencouragegreater transparencyandgovernmentability”by presenting the Access to Information Bill to Parliament though it is yet to beenacted. The other accepted recommendations; “Continue giving priorities tohuman rights education and awareness - raising in the Government’s plans,strategies and programmes, and to enhance the participation of civil society andprivatesector,asappropriate,asacomplementarydrivingforceinthisregard”and“Ensure that the freedomsofassemblyandexpressionareupheldandrespect the2003SupremeCourtrulingstatingthatthesefreedomsarefundamental”and“Takethenecessarystepstoensurethatitslegalsystemandpoliciesareinfullcompliancewith its international obligations in respect of freedomof expression and that themedia and journalists are guaranteed the necessary freedoms to carry out their

1CIVICUSMonitor,https://monitor.civicus.org/country/zambia/

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workindependentlyandwithoutfearofprosecution”havenotbeenimplementedastheexistinglegalframeworksthatimpedeandrestrictcivicspacesuchasthePublicOrder Act and the Non - Governmental Organisations Act No. 15 of 2009 amongothers,stillremaininplaceandhavenotbeenamendedorrepealedsinceZambia’slast UPR examination.

1.5 Theotherthreerecommendationsthatwere‘noted’bygovernmentinclude;“Repealanylawlimitingtherighttofreeexpressioninthemedia”and“Makethenecessarylegislativechanges,includingrestrictingthescopeofthePublicOrderAct,toensurethefullestpossiblefreedomsofassociationandexpression;andtoensurethepoliceenforce these and other laws in a proportionate manner, including in WesternProvince”,and“Takethenecessarystepstoensurethatitslegalsystemandpoliciesare in full compliance with its international obligations in respect of freedom ofexpression and that the media and journalists are guaranteed the necessaryfreedomstocarryouttheirworkindependentlywithoutfearofprosecution”.

1.6 CIVICUSandZCSDremainconcernedbythecontinueddelayinrepealingtheNGOActNo.16of2009whichundulyrestrictstheparticipationofcivilsocietythroughthepunitive sanctions fornon-compliance and excessivediscretionof the State todictatetheactivitiesofCSOs.

1.7 CIVICUSandZCSDarefurtheralarmedbythecontinueduseofthePublicOrderAct

to unwarrantedly limit the exercise of the freedoms of peaceful assembly andassociation.

• In Section B, CIVICUS and ZCSD examine Zambia’s implementation of UPR

recommendations and compliance with international human rights standardsconcerningfreedomofassociation.

• In Section C, CIVICUS and ZCSD examine Zambia’s implementation of UPRrecommendations and compliance with international human rights standardsrelated to the protection of human rights defenders, civil society activists andjournalists.

• In Section D, CIVICUS and ZCSD examine Zambia’s implementation of UPRrecommendations and compliance with international human rights standardsconcerning freedom of expression, independence of the media and access toinformation.

• In Section E, CIVICUS and ZCSD examine Zambia’s implementation of UPRrecommendations and compliance with international human rights standardsrelatedtofreedomofassembly.

• InSectionF,CIVICUSandZCSDmakeanumberofrecommendationstoaddresstheconcernslisted.

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2. (B) Freedom of association

2.1 During Zambia’s examination under the 2nd UPR cycle, the government receivedthree (3)recommendationson theright to freedomofassociationandcreatinganenabling environment for CSOs. Among other recommendations, the governmentcommitted to ensuring that it would “Continue giving priorities to human rightseducation and awareness-raising in the Government’s plans, strategies andprogrammes,andtoenhancetheparticipationofcivilsocietyandprivatesector,asappropriate,asacomplementarydrivingforceinthisregard”and“Ensurethatthefreedoms of assembly and expression are upheld and respect the 2003 SupremeCourtrulingstatingthatthesefreedomsarefundamental”.Oftherecommendationsreceived, the government accepted two (2) and noted One (1). However, asevidenced below, the government has failed to take adequate measures to fullyrealise many of these recommendations. Of the three (3) recommendations onfreedom of association, the government has only partially implemented one (1),whiletheothertwo(2)havenotbeenimplementedatall.

2.2 Articleeleven(11)of theZambianConstitutionguaranteestheright to freedomofassociation.Moreover,article22oftheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights (ICCPR), to which Zambia is a state party, also guarantees freedom ofassociation.However,despitethesecommitments,thegovernmenthascontinuedtousethePublicOrderActtopreventindependentcivilsocietygroupsandmembersofthepoliticaloppositionfromexercisingtheirrighttoassociate.

2.3 In 2009 the government brought into effect the Non-Governmental Organisations

ActNo.16.TheAct,whichrequiresallCSOsinthecountrytoregisterwiththeNGORegistration Board, contains a number of debilitating and unduly restrictiveprovisions undermining the right to associate. Specifically, the Act endows theMinistry of Community Development and Social Welfare with excessive andoverbroadpowerstocontroltheactivitiesandoperationsofCSOs.Underthelaw’sarticle 17 the Board has authority to de-register a CSO on broad and subjectivegroundssuchasviolationofthetermsoftheexistingcertificate,iftheconstitutionofthe NGO is in violation of other laws, if the Board recommends a certificatecancellation and failure to submit annual reports. Article 14 of the law furtherrequiresallCSOstoreregistereveryfiveyearsburdeningCSOswithreregistration.Furthermore, the government dominated NGO Board has wide discretion underArticle15todenyregistrationtoCSOs,includingforexampleifthenameofanNGOisfoundtoberepugnant,ortheactivitiesarenotinthe“publicinterest”.2

2NonGovernmentalOrganisationsAct2009,http://www.mcdmch.gov.zm/sites/default/files/downloads/Non-governmental_Organisations_'Act%202009%20Zambia.pdf

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2.4 InJuly2014aconsortiumof10civilsocietyorganisationssuedthegovernmenttoprevent it from continuing to enforce the 2009 NGO Act alleging that it violatedZambia’s constitutional guarantees to freedom of association. In response to thelawsuit, the government requested an out-of-court settlement, withdrewderegistration proceedings against several CSOs issued according to the Act, andinitiated a multi-stakeholder consultation, including with CSOs, to identifyprovisions of the Act which contravene Zambia’s legal obligations to protect andpromotetherighttofreedomofassociation.3

2.5 CSOcriticalofgovernmenthavealsofrequentlybeensubjectedtothreatsofclosure.

Forexampleon15July2013,governmentissued90daynoticesforde-registrationofCSOsthatdonotregisterasNGOs.On15August2014,thePermanentSecretaryinthe Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare wrote to foreignembassies in Lusaka urging them not to work with or fund NGOs that have notregisteredundertheNGOAct.Alsoon12May2014,theRegistrarofNGOswroteto123CSOsthreateningthemfornotregisteringundertheNGOAct.

2.6 WeremainconcernedbyprovisionsofthePublicOrderActwhichrestrictfreedom

of association. Specifically, article 7 of the Act impedes civil society and politicalparties’abilitytogatherwithoutpriorapprovalofthepolice.4Onseveraloccasions,the authorities have invoked the Act to force CSOs to cancel publicmeetings. Forexample, on 8 March 2013 police stopped a public consultation on fightinginequalityorganisedbyanationalCSO,theCivilSocietyPovertyObservatoryGroupinChipata,EasternProvincecitingnon-approvalofthemeetingbythepolice.

3. (C) Harassment, intimidation and attacks against human rights defenders, civil society activists and journalists

3.1 Under Zambia’s previous UPR examination, the government received three (3)

recommendationsontheprotectionofhumanrightsdefenders,journalistsandcivilsociety representatives. The government committed to several relevantrecommendationsincludingto“Repealanylawlimitingtherighttofreeexpressionin the media” and “Take the necessary steps to ensure that its legal system andpolicies are in full compliance with its international obligations in respect offreedom of expression and that the media and journalists are guaranteed thenecessary freedoms to carry out their work independently and without fear ofprosecution”. Of these recommendations received, theGovernmentofZambiahasaccepted one (1) and noted two (2). However, as examined in this section, the

3ZambiaReports,NGOspetitioncourtovercontroversiallaw,https://zambiareports.com/2014/06/19/ngos-petition-court-controversial-law/4PublicOrderAct,http://www.parliament.gov.zm/sites/default/files/documents/acts/Public%20Order%20Act.pdf

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governmenthas failed toeffectivelyoperationalise these recommendations.Of thethree recommendations on protection of HRDs, the government has not fullyimplementedallthethree(3)recommendations.

3.2 Article12oftheUNDeclarationonHumanRightsDefendersmandatesstatestotakenecessary measures to ensure protection of human rights defenders. The ICCPRfurtherguaranteesthefreedomsofexpression,associationandassembly.However,inspiteoftheseprotections,humanrightsdefendersandcivilsocietyactivistshavebeensubjecttoverbalandphysicalattacksbythestatesecurityforcesandmembersofthegovernment.

3.3 Despiteconstitutionalsafeguardsprotectingandpromotingtherightstofreedomofassociation, assembly, and expression as well as the right to due process, theauthorities have continued to invoke restrictive legislation to judicially persecuteoutspokenHRDs.UnderArticle16oftheNGOActNo16of2009,thegovernmentisempowered toderegistercivil societyorganisations.Moreover,Chapter113of thePublic Order Act limits free protest. Moreover, there are provisions criminalisingdefamationunderthePenalCode,includingArticle61and675whichdealwiththedefamationofthePresident.

3.4 The former executive director of civil society organisation, Foundation for

Democratic Process, McDonald Chipenzi was arrested in 2013 for writing anewspaperarticleinwhichhecalledforgreateraccountabilityandtransparencyintheallocationoffundingforthepoliceforce.HewaschargedunderArticle67ofthePenalCode,whichprohibitspublicationofseditiousarticles.6

4. (D) Freedom of expression, independence of the media and access to

information 4.1 Under the 2nd UPR cycle, the government received three (3) recommendations

relating to freedom of expression and access to information. Among otherrecommendations,thegovernmentpledgedto“Repealanylawlimitingtherighttofreeexpressioninthemedia”and“Takethenecessarystepstoensurethatitslegalsystem and policies are in full compliance with its international obligations inrespectoffreedomofexpressionandthatthemediaandjournalistsareguaranteedthenecessary freedomstocarryout theirwork independentlyandwithout fearofprosecution”. Of the recommendations received, the Government of Zambiaacceptedone(1)andnotedtwo(2).Ofthethree(3)recommendationspertainingto

5ZambiaPenalCode,http://www.parliament.gov.zm/sites/default/files/documents/acts/Penal%20Code%20Act.pdf6GlobalFreedomofExpression,https://globalfreedomofexpression.columbia.edu/cases/chipenzi-v-the-people/

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these issues, the government has not implemented all the three (3)recommendations.TheAccess to InformationandFreedomof InformationBillhasstillnotyetbeenenactedintolaw.Theworkofthemediaandjournalistsisimpededbybothlegalandhumaninterference.Journalistsandmediahousesarethreatenedandsufferbothphysicalassaultsandpsychologicaltrauma.

4.2 Article19oftheICCPRguaranteestherighttofreedomofexpressionandopinion.Article 21 of the Constitution of Zambia also guarantees the right to freedom ofexpression. However, in policy and practice, the government and members ofpoliticalpartiescontinuetouseverbalandphysicalattackstopersecuteoutspokenjournalists. The authorities restricted the activities of independent media housesduringthe2016generalelections.7

4.3 The Independent Broadcasting Authority Act 17 of 2002 regulates the privatebroadcasting sector in the country while the Zambia National BroadcastingCorporation Act regulates the state-owned broadcasting sector. The PrintedPublications Act further regulates public and private print media. These laws,includingthePenalCode,whichcriminalisespossessionorpublicationofseditiousmaterials,officialsecretsanddefamationofthepresidenthavebeenusedtosilenceindependentmedia outlets and journalists. Under Article 33 of the ZNBC Act, theministerhaswidepowerstograntorrefusebroadcastinglicenses.8

4.4 On August 22 2016, following the 2016 general election, the Independent

Broadcasting Authority suspended the operating licences of three privatebroadcasting stations, MUVI TV, Komboni Radio and Ithezithezi Radio. TheIndependentBroadcastingAuthoritywithdrewtheirlicencesforperceivedsupportforthepoliticalopposition.9

4.5 InJune2016thepoliceandtheZambiaRevenueAuthorityraidedtheofficesofthe

Post newspaper seizing equipment for alleged non-compliance with the tax code.Thenewspapercontends that the raidwaspoliticallymotivatedas itdidnothaveoutstandingtaxobligations.TheownerofthePostnewspaperFredM’mbembehasbeen also been subject to targeted judicial harassment and persecution, includingraidsandsearchesonhisprivatehomebythepolice.10

7CIVICUS,WorryingspateofattacksonindependentmediainZambia,http://www.civicus.org/index.php/media-resources/news/849-worrying-spate-of-attacks-on-independent-media-in-zambia8ZambiaNationalBroadcastingCorporationActhttp://www.parliament.gov.zm/sites/default/files/documents/acts/Zambia%20National%20Broadcasting%20Corporation%20Act.pdf9LusakaTimes,IBAshutsMuviTV,KomboniRadioandItezhiTezhiRadio,https://www.lusakatimes.com/2016/08/22/iba-shuts-muvi-tv-komboni-radio-itezhi-tezhi-radio/10CIVICUS,Zambia:ClosureofPostNewspaperaworryforfreedomofexpression,http://www.civicus.org/index.php/media-resources/news/866-closure-of-zambia-s-post-newspaper-a-worry-for-freedom-of-expression

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4.6 Attacksofjournalistsbythepoliceandmembersofpoliticalpartymembersremain

acommonoccurrenceinthecountryandwerefurtherexacerbatedduringthe2016generalelectionperiod.11On3August2016,NewVisionNewspaperreporter,ElijahMumba, was attacked by an opposition United Party for National Developmentsupporter in Chainda while reporting in the field in Chainda compound, a highlypopulated settlement within Lusaka.12On 8 July 2016, The Post photo journalistDavidKashikiwasarrestedbypoliceattheUnitedPartyforNationalDevelopmentSecretariatwhenhewenttocoveraneventwhichwasdisruptedbypolice.13

4.7 The government failure to pass the progressive Access to Information and the

Freedom of Information Bills which were tabled years ago serves as an onerousbarriertosecuringvitalpublicinformationcriticalforthegeneralpublictoholdthestate to account. On 10 May, President Lungu told the Post newspaper that theAccesstoInformationandtheFreedomofInformationBillswillnotbeenacteduntilthemedia“startstobehaveproperly”.

5. (E) Freedom of peaceful assembly

5.1 DuringZambia’sexaminationunderthe2ndUPRcycle,thegovernmentreceivedone(1)recommendationontherighttofreedomofassembly.Thegovernment,acceptedtherecommendationto“Ensurethat the freedomsofassemblyandexpressionareupheldandrespectthe2003SupremeCourtrulingstatingthatthesefreedomsarefundamental”.Asevidencedbelow, thegovernmenthasnot fully implementedthisrecommendation.

5.2 Article21of the ICCPRguaranteesthe freedomofpeacefulassembly.Article26oftheZambianConstitutionalsoguaranteestherighttofreedomofpeacefulassembly.However,inpracticeandpolicy,theauthoritiescontinuetounderminetheexerciseoffreedomofpeacefulassembly.The Public Order Act is the primary law governing the freedom of assembly inZambia.Inlinewithinternationalbestpractice,thelawrequiressimplenotificationto relevant authorities to hold an assembly. However, the police frequently andwilfullymisinterpret thenotificationprocedure stipulatedby thePublicOrderActbyrequiringexplicitapprovaltoholdademonstrationorassembly.SuchmeasuresareusedtopreventmembersofoppositionpoliticalpartiesandCSOsformholdingpublicassemblies.

11CIVICUS,Zambia’smediaundersiege,http://www.civicus.org/index.php/media-resources/news/interviews/2759-zambia-s-media-under-siege12MediaInstituteofSouthernAfricaZambiaChapter,MISAcondemnsattackonajournalist,http://ukzambians.co.uk/home/2016/08/05/misa-condemns-attack-on-a-journalist-by-a-upnd-cadre/13MediaInstituteofSouthernAfricaZambiaChapter,MISAcondemnsattackonajournalist,http://ukzambians.co.uk/home/2016/08/05/misa-condemns-attack-on-a-journalist-by-a-upnd-cadre/

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5.3 During the August 2016 general election period, the Electoral Commission of

Zambia, using the Electoral Act banned political rallies, protests, door-to-doorcampaigns,meetingsandprocessions inthecapital,Lusakafor10daysaftersomeviolentdisputesbrokenoutbetweenpoliticalsupportersoftherulingpartyandtheopposition.Moreover,duringthisperiod,CSOswerenotpermittedtoassemblebythepolicewhospuriouslyclaimedthattheylackedtherequisitehumanresourcestoeffectivelymonitortheplannedpublicassemblies.14SuchblanketbansareexcessiveandcontravenesbestpracticessetoutbytheUNSpecialRapporteurontheRightstoFreedomofPeacefulAssemblyandofAssociationthat“Individualsdonotceasetoenjoytherighttopeacefulassemblyasaresultofsporadicviolence.”15

5.4 Since Zambia’s previous UPR examination, civil society groups have documentednumerous cases of use of excessive force by the police to disperse legitimateprotests.Forexample, inAugust2016thepoliceunjustifiablydispersedapeacefulmarch and arrested 133 protesters opposing the re-election of President EdgarLungu.16

5.5 The authorities have further sought to delegitimise public protests organised by

independentgroups,byissuingcriticalstatementsinadvanceofpublicprotests.Forexample, in 2013, Zambia police spokesperson, Charity Chanda, in the mediathreatened theZambiaCongressofTradeUnionsover itsplans toholda country-wide demonstrationwithout agreeing to a date with the police which she falselyclaimedwouldcontravenethePublicOrderAct. Inaddition,CharityChandamadepartisanandinflammatoryclaimsabouttheplannedprotestsincludingstatingthatacross the country, police were ready to meet the labour movement on the“battlefield”.17

6. (F) Recommendations to the Government of Zambia

CIVICUSandZCSDcallontheGovernmentofZambiatocreateandmaintain,inlaw and in practice, an enabling environment for civil society, in accordancewith therightsenshrined in the ICCPR, theUNDeclarationonHumanRightsDefendersandHumanRightsCouncilresolutions22/6,27/5and27/31.

14CIVICUS,Zambia:ClosureofPostNewspaperaworryforfreedomofexpression,http://www.civicus.org/index.php/media-resources/news/866-closure-of-zambia-s-post-newspaper-a-worry-for-freedom-of-expression15http://freeassembly.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Freedom-of-Assembly-best-practices-factsheet.pdf16Zambiaarrests133protestors,http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/08/zambia-arrests-133-protesters-contested-election-160816080236912.html17ZambiaDailyNation,PolicewarnZCTUagainstdemonstrations,https://zambiadailynation.com/2013/10/29/police-warn-zctu-against-demonstrations/

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At a minimum, the following conditions should be guaranteed: freedom ofassociation,freedomofexpression,freedomofpeacefulassembly,therighttooperate free from unwarranted state interference, the right to communicateand cooperate, the right to seek and secure funding and the state’s duty toprotect.Inlightofthis,thefollowingspecificrecommendationsaremade:

6.1 Regardingfreedomofassociation

• Take measures to foster a safe, respectful, enabling environment for civilsociety, including through removing legal and policy measures, whichunwarrantedlylimittherighttoassociation.

• All civil society organisations which have been arbitrarily and unduly

sanctionedorderegisteredshouldbeimmediatelyreinstated.

• Unwarranted raids on civil society groups and unjustifiable disruptions tolegitimate, conferences,meetings, seminars andother activities organizedbyCSOsshouldbestopped.

• Refrain from acts leading to the closure of CSOs or the suspension of their

peaceful activities, and instead promote meaningful political dialogue thatallows and embraces diverging views, including those of human rightsdefenders,CSOs,journalists,politicalactivistsandothers.

• Specifically, the Non-Governmental Organisations Act (NGO Act No. 16 of2009) should be suitably amended to guarantee that undue restrictions onfreedomofassociationareremovedtobringtheirprovisionsintocompliancewitharticle21and22ofICCPR.

• The government must depoliticise and promote fair administration of thePublicOrderActbythestatepoliceandstrengthenoversightmechanismsandinstitutionssuchasthePoliceComplaintAuthority.

6.2 Regardingtheprotectionofhumanrightsdefenders

• Civil society members, journalists and human rights defenders should beprovided a safe and secure environment to carry out their work. Conductimpartial, thorough and effective investigations into all cases of attacks,harassment, and intimidation against them and bring perpetrators of suchoffencestojustice.

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• Ensure that human rights defenders are able to carry out their legitimateactivities without fear or undue hindrance, obstruction or legal andadministrativeharassment.

• Amend the Penal Code, particularly defamation provisions in line withinternationalbestpracticestoensuretheeffectiverealisationofalldueprocessrightsenshrinedintheICCPR.

• Outstandingcasesagainstallhumanrightsdefendersincluding,journalistswithfor exercising their fundamental rights to freedomof expression, association,assemblyshouldbereviewed.

• Seniorgovernmentofficialsshouldpubliclycondemn instancesofharassmentandintimidationofcivilsocietyactivistsandorganisations.

• TheGovernmentshouldapplysystematicallylegalprovisionsthatpromoteandprotect human rights and establish mechanisms that protect human rightsdefenders by adopting a specific law on the protection of human rightsdefenders in accordance with Council resolution 27.31 of the Human RightsCouncil

6.3 Regardingfreedomofexpression, independenceofthemediaandaccessto

information

• Ensurefreedomofexpressionandmediafreedombyallbringingnationallegislationinlinewithinternationalstandards.

• Specifically,theAccesstoInformationandFreedomofInformationBillshouldbe urgently enacted in order to bring it in line with the ICCPR and the UNDeclarationonHumanRightsDefenders.

• Reviewandrepeal theZambiaNationalBroadcastingActanddepoliticisetheoperations of state ownedmedia in order tomake it truly non-partisan andaccessibleregardlessofpoliticalaffiliation.

• Allmediaoutletsunwarrantedlyclosedshouldbereinstated.

• Reform defamation legislation in conformity with article 19 of the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). In this regard,amendthePenalCodeparticularlyondefamationofthePresident.

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• Ensure that journalists and writers may work freely and without fear ofretribution for expressing critical opinions or covering topics that thegovernmentmayfindsensitive.

• Takeadequatestepsto liftrestrictionsonfreedomofexpressionandadopta

frameworkfortheprotectionofjournalistsfrompersecution,intimidationandharassment.

6.4 Regardingfreedomofassembly

• Best practices on freedom of peaceful assembly should be adopted, as putforwardbytheUNSpecialRapporteurontheRight toPeacefulAssemblyandAssociation in his annual report (2012) which calls for simple notificationratherthanexplicitpermissiontoassemble.ThePublicOrderActChapter113ofthelawsofZambiashouldbeamendedinordertofullyguaranteetherighttofreedomofassembly.

• The police and other state actors must be trained on interpretation of thePublicOrderActtoensurethatthenotificationclauseisnotmisinterpretedasanauthorisationregimeorusedtodenytherightpeacefulassembly.

• Review and update existing human rights training for police and securityforceswith theassistanceof independentnon-governmentalorganisations tofoster more consistent application of international human rights standards,includingtheUNBasicPrinciplesontheuseofforceandfirearms.

• Senior government officials should publically condemn the use of excessiveand brutal force by security forces in the dispersal of protests. A formalinvestigationintosuchinstancesshouldbelaunched,andperpetratorsshouldbebroughttojustice.

• Recourse for judicial review and effective remedy should be provided

includingcompensation incasesofunlawfuldenialof therightto freedomofassemblybystateauthorities.

6.5 RegardingaccesstoUNSpecialProceduresmandateholders

• TheGovernmentshouldprioritizeofficialvisitswiththe:1)SpecialRapporteur

on the situation of human rights defenders; 2) Special Rapporteur on thepromotionandprotectionoftherighttofreedomofopinionandexpression;3)

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Special Rapporteur on the rights tofreedomof peaceful assemblyandofassociation; 4) Special Rapporteuron the IndependenceofJudgesandLawyers; 5) Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary orarbitraryexecutions; 6) Special Rapporteur onthe rights toprivacy and; 7)WorkingGrouponArbitraryDetention.

6.6RegardingStateengagementwithcivilsociety

• Implementtransparentandinclusivemechanismsofpublicconsultationswithcivil society organisations on all issues mentioned above and enable moreeffectiveinvolvementofcivilsocietyinthepreparationoflawandpolicy.

• Include civil society organisations in the UPR process before finalising andsubmittingthenationalreport.

• Systematically consultwith civil society andNGOs on the implementation ofUPR including by holding periodical comprehensive consultations with adiverserangeofcivilsocietystakeholders.

• IncorporatetheresultsofthisUPRintoitsactionplansforthepromotionand

protectionofallhumanrights,takingintoaccounttheproposalsofcivilsocietyandpresentamidtermevaluationreporttotheHumanRightsCouncilontheimplementationoftherecommendationsofthissession.

Assessmentofimplementationofcivicspacerecommendations:Recommendation Position Fulllistofthemes Assessment/commen

tsonlevelofimplementation

102.4.Lobbyforandimplementaccesstoinformationlegislationtoencouragegreatertransparencyandgovernmentability(UnitedStatesofAmerica);Sourceofposition:A/HRC/22/13-Para.102

Supported A47Goodgovernance

Affectedpersons:

-general

Partiallyimplemented

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Recommendation Position Fulllistofthemes Assessment/commentsonlevelofimplementation

102.15.Continuegivingprioritiestohumanrightseducationandawareness-raisingintheGovernment’splans,strategiesandprogrammes,andtoenhancetheparticipationofcivilsocietyandprivatesector,asappropriate,asacomplementarydrivingforceinthisregard(Thailand);Sourceofposition:A/HRC/22/13-Para.102

Supported A51Humanrightseducation-general

A54Awarenessraisinganddissemination

A61Cooperationwithcivilsociety

Affectedpersons:

-general

Notimplemented

103.51.Repealanylawlimitingtherighttofreeexpressioninthemedia(Iraq);Sourceofposition:A/HRC/22/2-Para.702(advanceduneditedversion)

Noted D43Freedomofopinionandexpression

A41Constitutionalandlegislativeframework

Affectedpersons:

-media

Notimplemented

103.52.Takethenecessarystepstoensurethatitslegalsystemandpoliciesareinfullcompliancewithitsinternationalobligationsinrespectoffreedomofexpressionandthatthemediaandjournalistsareguaranteedthenecessaryfreedomstocarryouttheirworkindependentlyandwithoutfearofprosecution(Ireland);Sourceofposition:A/HRC/22/2-Para.677,702(advanceduneditedversion)

Supported D43Freedomofopinionandexpression

A42Institutions&policies-General

Affectedpersons:

-media

Notimplemented

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Recommendation Position Fulllistofthemes Assessment/commentsonlevelofimplementation

103.53.Makethenecessarylegislativechanges,includingrestrictingthescopeofthePublicOrderAct,toensurethefullestpossiblefreedomsofassociationandexpression;andtoensurethepoliceenforcetheseandotherlawsinaproportionatemanner,includinginWesternProvince(UnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandNorthernIreland);Sourceofposition:A/HRC/22/2-Para.702(advanceduneditedversion)

Noted D43Freedomofopinionandexpression

D45Freedomofassociation

A41Constitutionalandlegislativeframework

Affectedpersons:

-general

-media

Notimplemented

102.44.Ensurethatthefreedomsofassemblyandexpressionareupheldandrespectthe2003SupremeCourtrulingstatingthatthesefreedomsarefundamental(UnitedStatesofAmerica);Sourceofposition:A/HRC/22/13-Para.102

Supported D44Righttopeacefulassembly

D43Freedomofopinionandexpression

Affectedpersons:

-general

Notimplemented