A consortium of civil society organizations has urged the UPND administration to withdraw the cyber security, cyber crimes and anti-terrorism bill currently before parliament and subject them to boarder consultation.
They argue that enacting the cyber crimes and cyber security bills, which contain provisions that undermine human rights, sets aa dangerous precedent, adding that Zambia’s democracy must not be a casualty of poorly drafted and rushed laws.
The CSOs have further argued that Zambia deserves better than “recycled authorization practices disguised as progressed security reforms.”
The CSOs include Chapter One Foundation Alliance for Community Action, Transparency International Zambia, Council of Churches in Zambia, Bloggers of Zambia, Zambia Council For Social Development, PANOS Institute Southern Africa and Media Institute Of Southern Africa (MISA).
In a statement issued on behalf of the other CSOs Chapter One Foundation Executive Director Josiah Kalala said the named civil society organization were gravely concerned about the three bills.
“ The undersigned civil society organization are gravely concerned about the Cyber Security bill, Cyber Crimes and Anti-Terrorism bill- currently before parliament, while recognize he important of safe guarding Zambia’s national security , combating cyber-crime, and addressing terrorism , we categorically state that these goals must come at the expenses of human rights, constitutional standards , and democratic governance , The Constitution Of Zambia Under article 28, provides that redress can be sought where there is the likelihood of rights set out in the constitution being contravened. An analysis of the bills reveals several provisions that, if enacted, would not only fail constitutionality tests by their very text but also pose significant risks to fundamental human rights by their application,” he stated.
“We call on the UPND administration to withdraw these bills and subject to broader consultation and review, ensuring that the legislation reflects the values of democracy, good governance, and respect for human rights.
The administration must abandon the PFs legacy of rushing critical legislation without the necessary safe guard for human rights and democratic governance. Zambians must stand against any efforts, legislative or otherwise that compromise our constitutional principles. Zambia’s democracy must not be a casualty of poorly drafted and rushed laws”.
Kalala said the approach taken with the Bills reflected a troubling continuity of practices that were heavily criticized under the PF administration.
“We are deeply disappointed in the UPND administration, which came in power on promises of strengthening democracy and human rights, regrettably, the approach taken with these Bills reflect a troubling continuity of practices that were heavily criticized under the PF administration. the rushed and non-inclusive process mirrors the PFs push for similar legislation, which was rightly condemned for its disregard for transparency and public participation. The enactment of the Cyber Crimes and Cyber Security Bills under the guise of addressing critical issues but with provisions that undermine human rights sets a dangerous precedent. Zambia deserve better than recycled authorization practices disguised as progressive security reforms,” he stated.
Kalala further, urged MPs to write to the speaker to establish a tribunal to independently asses the implications of the said Bills.
“We call on member of parliament to fulfill their duty to the Zambian people. we call on MPs to write to the speaker to establish tribunal as provided for under article 27 of the constitution to independently asses the implications of these Bills. Such an assessment is critical to ensure that any legislative actions reflect constitutional values and does not erode hard-won freedoms. Legislative authority derives from the people of Zambia and must be exercised in a manner that protects the constitution and promote democratic governance. The Bills in their current forms are a call on parliament to exercise its legislative authority outside the parameters of the constitution,” stated Kalala.
“To the citizens of Zambia, this is your fight as much as our family, our friends, neighbors and community members who continue to be detained for long period s, often away from their communities for expressing displeasure and discontent with the government. These Bills will shape the future of your freedoms, your privacy, and your ability to speak out. we urge you to read the proposed legislation and make your voice heard. call your MPs demand accountability, and remind them that their mandate comes form you. Let them know that laws protecting Zambia’s security must also protect Zambia’s democracy and rights “.