Zambia’s Minister of Justice, Princess Kasune, says it is not in Zambia’s interest to step away from global co-operation amid growing threats to human rights.

Kasune was addressing the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, where she urged member states to strengthen unity and international co-operation to safeguard human dignity.

She told delegates that the global human rights system is under extreme pressure, with some questioning its fairness and values and others suggesting withdrawal. However, she stressed that Zambia believes stepping away is not the solution.

Instead, she called for enhanced co-operation to address current challenges, improve aspects of the system that are not working, and protect what has been effective in defending human dignity.

“We meet at a time when the global human rights system is under extreme pressure. Some question its fairness and values, while others suggest we step away from it. But Zambia believes that stepping away is not the answer. Rather, the times require that we enhance international cooperation to help overcome the challenges we are facing. It is true that we are stronger if we stand united than if we separate. We understand that no system is perfect, but instead of tearing down a system that has been many years in the making, we would seek to improve what is not working and by all means try to protect what has worked in defence of human dignity.”

–ChannelAfrica/MichaelMbewe–