The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has commended the government for acceding to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) that aims at abolishing the Death Penalty.
The depositing of the instruments of accession to the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR with the United Nations Secretary General in New York by the Minister of Justice Princes Kasune on 19th December 2024 is a firm global commitment that no one shall be executed within Zambia’s boundaries.
Human Rights Commission Spokesperson Mweelwa Muleya also commended the National Assembly for approving the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR without any reservation.
Mr Mweelwa said by acceding to the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR entails that at no time shall the death penalty be invoked in Zambia.
Zambia has formally joined the growing number of countries that do not support the death penalty.
“By acceding to the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR, Zambia has formally joined the growing number of countries that do not support the death penalty.”
Zambia abolished the Death Penalty on 23rd December 2022 when President Hakainde Hichilema assented to the Criminal Procedure Code [Amendment] Bill No. 24 of 2022 and the Penal Code [Amendment] Bill No. 25 of 2022, which replaced the death penalty with life imprisonment.
The commission has further commended the Government for voting in favor of the global suspension of the death penalty on 17th December 2024 at the UN General Assembly in New York.
By acceding to the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR and voting in favor of the UN Moratorium on the death penalty, Zambia has demonstrated unwavering commitment to protecting the fundamental right to life.
Mr Mweelwa said Zambia has sent a clear message that she has reached a point of no return on the abolition of the death penalty.
He indicated that the Commission would continue engaging and advising the government to continue taking progressive concrete measures towards enhancing the promotion and protection of human rights for all.
