Friday, March 29, 2024

Human rights situation in Zambia worrying-John Kerry

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U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says the U.S. government in 2015 observed serious human rights problems in several areas in Zambia.

In a statement released by the State Department following its 2015 U.S. Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Zambia, Mr Kerry said the U.S government noted several instances in which Zambian government officials threatened to close, censor, or initiate legal action against radio, print, and internet media outlets over pieces considered to be critical of the president, government, or ruling party.

Mr Kerry also observed several instances in 2015 of violence against journalists by ruling party supporters.

“As stated in our 2016 press releases, we remain worried about political violence, reported as a serious human rights issue in this 2015 report,” Mr Kerry said.

The country-specific Human Rights Reports are documents the U.S. Congress, by law, requires the State Department to prepare annually and make public.

The reports cover internationally recognized individual, civil, political, and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements.

U.S. Embassies compile Human Rights Reports with help from host governments, local NGOs, and other members of civil society and use them to work with governments to improve their human rights records.
Mr Kerry said, “United States, of course, has its own human rights issues; the publication of the annual reports is intended to reflect U.S. commitment to the advancement of human rights around the world.”

He said, “The U.S. government in 2015 observed serious human rights problems in several areas in Zambia. The U.S. government also continues to be concerned over reports that police in 2015 used the Public Order Act to block opposition or other gatherings, citing a non-existent requirement for a permit to assemble, rather than legally required prior notification.”

The 2015 U.S. Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Zambia also documented other significant human rights problems during the year in further detail.

These included abuses by police, including reports of unlawful killings, torture, and beatings including Gender-based violence.

The abuses that the U.S government highlighted are the life-threatening prison conditions, arbitrary arrest, prolonged pre-trial detention and arbitrary interference with privacy.

They also expressed concern over displacement of landowners, Government corruption, Child abuse, trafficking in persons, discrimination against persons with disabilities and minority communities and Child labor.

The United States is however pleased to note the Zambian government’s increased support to the Human Rights Commission and the Prison Service Commission.

The government and people of Zambia also demonstrated a continued commitment to the humane resolution to the status of refugees in Zambia, whether through repatriation or local integration.

The United States is committed to working together with the government and people of Zambia to address human rights concerns in Zambia and globally.

That includes U.S. support for Zambian initiatives to promote the rule of law, press freedom, police professionalism, and other human rights issues.

“As we have stated, the U.S. government takes no sides in political debates, other than that of the Zambian people,” the report said.

129 COMMENTS

  1. I disagree with that John Kerry, even though am in opposition we don’t need his vicious regime change. Zambia will not be like Libya. Stay away.

    • It cannot be denied that inspire having a lawyer (albeit an average one) as president in Edgar Lungu, there is a worsening human rights situation in Zambia. Look at the way Police use teargas, Public Order Act, stripping of women in public, stifling freedom of speech and rampant corruption. Mwanawasa was a better lawyer and respected the rule of law. My guess is Edgar has little understanding of the law and that is why he was debarred by LAZ and one time

    • Typical PF kaponyas, you just cant handle the truth. Things are bad in Zambia, PF is is just like UNIP, these chaps dont understand human rights. The police have been politicized and are used by Lungu and his friends like personal guards and are used to infringe other people’s rights.

      The media is being threatened everyday, remember the case of UNZA radio? It was critical to PF and they limited their coverage to a small radius….. Hot FM was at one time in trouble for criticizing PF, Post journalist are facing court charges for criticizing government and Lungu. I dont even need to talk about Zambian Watchdog which is on top of the list on Kambili’s to-do list.

      The opposition can not gather without threats and tear gas or beatings from PF….AKA Police Force…. pure abuse of…

    • We dont need Americans to lecture us on Human Rights. they are committing the worst atrocities in Human History. the senseless loss of life the cause when the don bombings is totally unacceptable. the torture and detentions in Guantanamo etc.

    • Please John Kerry concentrate on your America were you allow dogs to marry humans and you call it a right.. idi*ts you will rote in Hell.

      we don’t want you in Zambia obviously you have seen seen menerals

    • Malabishi bati, AND how about the human rights of the people of colour in his America… Or those bombed in Iraq, the butchered Afghans, the secret CIA RENDITIONS.
      SITITUPITI

    • @nostridumbass, “Speak for yourself” don’t say “WE” this report speaks of nothing but the whole truth and Zambians certainly deserve better than the PF hooligans.

    • Mr John Kerry is right – especially on land. Ruling party cadres have been illegally and forcefully nvading land (already on title) with impunity, e.g. in Ibex Hill, very close to the new USA Embassy complex, at an area known as “Kalale”. That land is on title, already has owners and has a High Court Order to remove the squatters. But the Government has ignored the Court Order because the invaders (squatters) are ruling party members. Further, a few years ago a German national by the name of Bender was killed in that same area as the squatters invaded his land and took it over. Todate, no one has ever been charged over that murder. The land is now illegally and forcefully occupied by party cadres, who also pose a threat to USA interests because they are easily corruptible and can be…

    • Latest from BBC Africa..Zambian currency is the words best perfoming currency this year improving by 19.9 perc. National prayerscat work. winangu Azalila. from the worste in 2015 to the best in 2016

    • Obama just admitted that America getting involved in Libya and subsequently killing Qaddafi was his worst mistake. Here we are John Kerry preaching Human Rights to us while he turns a blind eye on human rights in his own backyard. Only way you are going to support John Kerry’s rumblings is if you are an ignorant and unpatriotic f00l.

    • The people that reported (Muzungu anikonde), why did the leave out what happened in Bwengwa Southern province where the opposition detained journalists? This is selective reporting to paint a bad picture of PF by the opposition in a bid to gain political mileage. Oooho! so that was the visit of diplomats to HH’s residence, just connecting the dots. Time will tell.

    • The US has one of the worst human right violation in as far as black lives are concerned. It is hypocritical for them to point a finger at us. I am a proud Zambian. Black lives matter. Black are incarcerated at a high rate with no proper legal representation. The USA continues to excite innocent victims. Trump rallies are characterized by violence especially perpetrated against black people. So Kerry and USA high commissioner butt off and leave alone. ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATION. I love Zambia

    • Watch out Edgar, the world is watching and the Hague waiting. Be wise and restrain yourself before it’s too late.

    • Can you be level headed sir. When things get out hand, you`re the same people who will be asking for help from the US and international community. And yet you don`t want them to point out the telltale signs. Most of the things pointed out by John Kerry are legit. And your Libya example is way off the mark.

    • Your fellow Zambians tell you about human rights abuse, you deny. Foreigners also tell you the same story, yet you still refuse

      You are living in denial

    • Kerry is a finished selfish politician. The likes of him created mayhem in Syria, Libya, Tunisia, Egypt and are blocking human rights and equal living of Shias in Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and he talks about human rights? Hypocrite moron!

    • JOHN KELLY, YOU ARE A BIG JOKE. YOU CAN’T COMPARE HUMAN RIGHTS IN YOUR COUNTRY TO ZAMBIA. ZAMBIA HAS A BETTER HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD THAN YOUR COUNTRY. MY FRIEND, BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH CHECK YOUR BACKYARD FIRST. AFRICAN-AMERICANS IN YOUR COUNTRY ARE BEING BRUTALIZED AND KILLED BY POLICE IN DAY LIGHT. DON’T TEACH US HUMAN RIGHTS WHICH YOU DON’T KNOW. YOU HAVE NEVER EVEN BEEN TO ZAMBIA TO TALK LIKE YOU KNOW ZAMBIA.

    • Using deflation techniques from what is presented will not resolve the situation, it’s time to face the challenges and overcome them.

    • WE BEEN OKAY AS WE ARE. AMERICANS ALWAYS LEAVES A MESS WHEREVER THEY TOUCH- WITH THE SO-CALLED “PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS”. THEY JUST WANNA CAUSE ANOTHER MESS.

    • THE REASON JOHN KELLY IS SAYING THIS IS THAT ZAMBIA HAS NEVER FACE ANY POLITICAL WARS WITH ITSELF OR NEIGHBOURS AND ZAMBIA IS SO CLOSE TO CHINA TO THE DISCOMFORT OF THE WEST. AMERICA THRIVES ON WARS IN OIL AND MINERAL RICH COUNTRIES. THAT’S HOW THEY GET CHEAP OR FREEE OF CHARGE RESOURCES. There’s an article in the UK DAILY MAIL (Friday, April 15, 2016) entitled THE DIRTY DOZEN. “As the forore over Britain’s foreign aid grows, we reveal the corrupt and brutal tyrannies propped up by YOUR money [tax payers’]”. ZAMBIA IS NOWHERE NEAR THIS LIST. THE BRITISH ARE MORE TRUTHFUL AND PRINCIPLED THAN AMERICANS AND I BELIEVE WHAT THEY WROTE ABOUT THIS LIST- THE LIST IS AS FOLLOWS:…

    • …from @1.21 THIS LIST- THE LIST IS AS FOLLOWS IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:
      AFGHANISTAN, BANGLADESH, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, KENYA, NEPAL, NIGERIA, PAKISTAN, PALESTINE, RWANDA, SOUTH SUDAN, UGANDA AND ZIMBABWE.
      UK IS MORE QUALIFIED TO POINT A FINGER AT ZAMBIA OR OTHER COUNTRIES THAN AMERICA WHOSE HUMAN RIGHTS ARE NOWHERE NEAR DESIRABLE IN THE WORLD. WHEREVER AMERICANS SET THEIR FOOT JUST KNOW THAT THAT COUNTRY OR REGIONS PEACE IS GONE FOR GOOD. THAT’S AMERICA’S TRADEMARK- DISTABILISING PEACE.

    • Those of you bashing John Kerry for “ignoring” the human rights issues in his own country, and instead, complaining about the human rights abuse in Zambia, seem to be missing something. If John Kerry was a Republican, maybe your criticism would hold. He’s a Democrat, and that’s at least the party that tries to look out for the interests and the rights of the minorities in America. So yes, as a Democrat, he can speak on this issue, because, generally, the Democrats do that even in America, fighting for the rights of minority groups. Ask any person of color in America as to who they feel looks out for them, and they’ll tell you it’s the Democrats. The ones people cannot stand are Republicans, who are constantly trampling on human rights. So Kerry is right on the money.

  2. When the superpower speaks up, then something is terribly wrong. This has also been observed by supernova probably even the supernatural one who can’t be cheated.

  3. What is Kelly talking about? Is he not talking about
    Guantanamo bay or Libya or perhaps Syria? In Zambia we
    Don’t have such problems- did you get it from your Ambassador
    That went and had lunch with some politician? Is he campaigning
    For him. Be serious Kelly, sort out your problems you started
    In the Middle East and Libya! Hypocrites!!

    • And what about the senseless killings last year of unarmed and innocent black men and women by white policemen, what do you say mr kelly?

  4. The problem is we have got a president who became a president by using pangas at the Mulungushi panga show down and he got a bunch of ministers and followers who are clueless,visionless,useless,dullness,hopeles,brainless and drunkards just like him.

  5. I thought people who engulfed themselves in hallucinations belong to Chainama. Don’t they have Chainama mental hospital in America? If they had, then John Kelly should have been confined in such a facility. If there is one area in which we can help America, for a change, could Ambassador Schutdz inform President BArrack Obama nagu ba even through ba mulamu ba Michelle Obama to send John Kelly to our Chainama hospital. We won’t charge them anything. Free of charge. Our cliical officers and mental health nurses will give him the injections for amashilu.

  6. Iwe Kerry, not nearly half as bad as in USA, Libya or Iraq where your footprints remain up to now. Don’t alarm us. What have you seen with your stupid drones that makes you want to invade us. Musatanyo You read UPND blogs, they’ll feed you with lies.

    • Iwe bulunyoko u havent seen people been opressed by your clueless,visionless,useless,dullness,hopeless,brainless a drunkard Wrungu. satan upon you or stayonko.

  7. these people are just so good at inciting violence. what his country were police are shooting people every time. they like paying attention on others leaving their own. shame.

  8. Zambia’s kwacha has gone from the world’s third-worst performance in 2015 to the best this year, outshining gold, silver and 150 other other currencies and precious metals tracked by Bloomberg. Further gains are in store as copper prices recover, according to ETM Analytics

  9. From his words, one is able to tell this Kelly is bitter with the current government policies promoting more of chinese investment than US. How about Anglo Ameriacan company firing over 90% of its labour force, don’t you think thats worse than the outbursts you pouring on peace loving Zambia.

  10. Iwe bulu,nyoko u havent seen people been opressed by your clueless,visionless,useless,dullness,hopeless,brainless a drunkard Wrungu. satan upon you or stayo.nko.

    • I CAN IMAGINE HOW BITTER YOU ARE PERPETUAL LOSERS. MY FRIEND THIS AUGUST YOU WILL RECORD THE 5TH LOSS IN THE ROLL. YOU WILL NEVER RULE THIS COUNTRY WITH YOUR LACK OF RESPECT FOR THE LEADER OF THE NATION MR EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU.

      BY THE WAY WHO IS BETTER THE ONE WHO DRINKS BEER AND THE VAMPIRE YOUR BLOOD SUCKER THE MASON?

    • LISTEN TO THIS FOO.L. WE ARE DISCUSSING ISSUES HERE. LECTURE YO FELLOW MEMBERS OF UP AND DOWN TO STOP BEING VAMPIRES BLOO.D SUCKERS, VIOLENT AND VULGAR LANGUAGE LIKE U THE STOOGE.

      PLEASE ISSUE BASED ONLY. ITS TIME YOU GREW UP

  11. We shall never allow same sex marrieges in the name of human rights my dear Kelly.

    What a fake report focused only on political players, dont fuel hooliganism in Zambia.

  12. ZWD and UPND wish is to see chaos and confusion in Zambia only then will they be happy..Mr Kerry and to the US foreign service Zambia is no where close to Zimbabwe, Angola, Congo, Burundi or any of these other countries with bad records. Instead of applauding Zambia on a job well done you want to bring us down..shame on you Americans shame!!!

    2016 ECL nafuti

  13. For people who read this report annually a lot of it is the same as usual, but notably press freedoms are increasingly repressed. Hypocritical or not, people should take note

  14. Kerry, its good you noted that as USA you have humany rights issues, infact more grave than Zambia eg deliberate alienation and killing of black Americans. Be serious don’t bring Libya confusion here. We differ but we are peaceful.

  15. Iwe Kudos tea car ra bulu,nyoko u havent seen people been opressed by your clueless,visionless,useless,dullness,hopeless,brainless a drunkard Wrungu. satan upon you or stayo.nko.

  16. Zambia is far much better than any other country in Africa including some European countries such as Turkey… The report Mr Kerry was given seems not to be objective…Zambians are peaceful and only those who want to impose themselves on the people and have been rejected several times are the ones sending misleading statements to the Superpowers and yet they are the same trouble makers…

    • Take a walk in George compound after 20hrs. I will wait to see if you will say Zambian are peaceful. Peaceful mumayadi chabe. Go mu Ghetto then you know that people there beat for no apparent reason.

  17. PF cadre never cease to amaze me. With all the violence PF has unleashed upon Zambians you sit here to discredit what Kerry has said. You chaps in America have freedom to talk against America and yet in Zambia you would have been locked up in the name of defaming the drukard president. Shame on you.

  18. Zambians must fear God not USA. GOD is reponsible for removing powers & installing news. If this Goverment is pure in Gods eye, he will allow it to continue. Any one who want to see prolonged years must keep his hand from evil.

    • God has given people free will to choose leaders subject to quality electoral processes.

    • Iwe mwaice so you think its God who gave us Wrungu and told him to leash pangas on innocent people then that god is asleep and need to wake up. Wrungu is a satan given president and know doubt about it.

  19. Whatever their reports highlights, its normal for us here. Its good the report notes that usa has its own problems as well concerning human rights abuses incomparable to Zambia’s. The problems they face from gun violence,racism,same sex marriages,corporate greed,corruption,home grown terrorism,police brutality,drug abuse including political violence by Trump supporters would seem like war here in Zambia. We are much much better off with our poverty than all these issues combined!

  20. I AM SURE THAT BROTHER JOHN KERRY KNOWS THAT ZAMBIA IS MUCH BETTER RATHER THE WORDING SHOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE OBAMAS TO CUBA IN EXORTATIONS AS BELOW HERE IS THE QUOTE ON CUBA

    “”I know one visit, and one president, cannot erase the decades of history that have left so many Cubans in poverty or exile. But sometimes the most important changes begin with the smallest step. I believe in the Cuban people and their desire to build a future of their own choosing. And I believe that changing the way we do things between our countries will, over time, help make that possible.

    So I’m looking forward to meeting and hearing directly from Cubans from all walks of life. And I’m confident that, working together with the Cuban people, our two countries can…

  21. Sincerely speaking Zambia beats USA on human rights. How many people are shot by government (police) in USA every month because they are black? Mr Kelly if you are talking about gay rights, yes we are bad on that one but on human rights we are good. Honestly should you criticize us for refusing that men should be having sex with fellow me and women with fellow women. And those who are supporting Mr Kelly on this one, for the next 5 days be checking the website msn.com and compare USA and Zambia on human rights.

  22. I’m looking forward to meeting and hearing directly from Cubans from all walks of life. And I’m confident that, working together with the Cuban people, our two countries can begin a new journey together that delivers progress for both our peoples.””

    ¡Hola desde Cuba! Michelle, the girls, and I are here in Havana on our first full day in Cuba. Cubans have lined the streets to welcome us, and it’s humbling to be the first U.S. president in nearly 90 years to visit a country and a people just 90 miles from our shores.

    Thank you,

    President Barack Obama

    THAT WAS A WONDER QUOTE FROM OBAMA ON CUBA A GOOD STORY TO TELL ON ZAMBIA ITS SAME POSITIVE ATTITUDE FROM US AND EMBASSY AS ON THE GROUND NOT AN EXERGERATION OF FACTS UNFORTUNATELY BY SOME NGOS

  23. WE HAVE ALL THE GOOD CONVERSATIONS ON THE TOPIC AND ELDER JOHN KERRY OR BROTHER US AMBASSOR TO ZAMBIA SHOULD NOT BE MISREPRESENTED IN THE TONE OF THE REPORT LINES

    ITS A VERY GOOD STORY COMPARABLE TO ZAMBIA IN THIS HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT AS DISSEMINATED LOOK AT THE RANKINGS IN THE INDEX AND PERCEPTION

    ITS A GOOD STORY TO TELL BY US ON ZAMBIA IN PARITY

  24. If we are to be objective USA is a country where human rights are abused greatly. They sell guns freely knowing that these are instruments that can end life in few seconds, is that human rights. Zambians lets learn to look at issues objectively and not politically. That’s why I was shocked to hear senior and well educated Zambians agreeing with the Norwegian Ambassador for the reason of pulling out of Zambia. Honestly are embassies here to support us financially? Is it not for bilateral relationship? Is the Malawian embassy here to support us financially? Is the British Embassy or Germany Embassy here to support us financially? Not at all. they may engage in developmental assistance but that’s not their many purpose here, please lets be reasoning.

  25. Zambia is Sub-Saharan Africa’s brightest spot for doing business and surely the easy to enjoy life cannot be comparable to other like and as afar like turkey OR SYRIA

    And speaking on his way to Georgetown University’s Law Center, where Joe Biden was going to speak about why it was so vitally important that Chief Judge Merrick Garland’s nomination got the consideration the US Constitution affords it. He said In his 36 years in the United States Senate, the Constitution was always their guidepost. Which meant that every single Supreme Court nominee got a hearing, a committee vote, and a floor vote. Period and hard to enforce the law and in this Case the Human rights

    ZAMBIA LIKE THE UNITED STATES FOLLOWS THE SAME…

  26. Comment: pliz don’t express concern abt Zambia express concern abt America where u think a man marrying a dog is normal.stay away from Zambia,be warned we are not your colony.Should u try to bring confusion in Zambia then God will deal with u.

  27. Lusakatimes.com
    Why is it that when I like or dislike a comment that does not agree with PF, the opposite button automatically highlights as well. Is that another way PF is trying to control the media?!!!!! It happens every single time.

  28. ZNBC News Headlines: “The United States is pleased with the PF government’s increased support to the Human Rights Commission and the Prison Service Commission”

  29. Meanwhile unarmed young people of color in the US are being gunned down like animals and routinely discriminated. Not to mention the spying on its own citizens and allies, sanctioning unjustified wars, torture going on at Guantanamo bay and the list goes on. Mr. Secretary don’t lecture us on human rights violations and clean up your own backyard first.

  30. this guy is useless which country has more human rights violent between zambia and USA? if you give us some few coins for election does it mean you have to be commenting on our affairs. how many black africans are been killed, tortured, homeless in usa. stop this nonsense john kelly

  31. you people that put comments here make my days!!!
    I love reading your thoughts about issues happening in our country, even though some tend to chastise and curse others, I love the creativity and humor that is always imbibed in your sentiments! Awesome stuff guys and keep it up! I love reading this online publication (LT)simply because of the comments I always find! Keep up with the good work!

  32. USA needs to improve its relations with Zambia. You get a feeling USA has great interest in Zambia’s resources and want to control who rules the country. They don’t like PF because they are not reckless money worshipping Capitalists! As for USA embassy in Zambia, relations are broken with current gov’t and thus report is over the top and unbalanced. China being close to Zambia must be like a thorn in the foot!

    • Who they hell are you after getting drunk with Chibuku shake shake at John Kelly ulichipuba.USA is supper power ask Iraq were is sadam,ask Libya were is Gadafi can fail to deal with a fly insi (Ka Lungu)easy PF Zambia is biger than Ka Lungu and PF.watch the game.We shall flash you like flies bafi colour.

  33. You hit the nail on the head John Kerry..let them close the U.S embassy if they are aggrieved these i.diots

    • The wold is not oblivious to the fact that Edgar Lungu and his PF cohorts are cooking bad eggs. Let them eat their rotten eggs and suffer the consequence of gas pains and stomach upsets.

  34. I think this is very crazy. Firstly, I have not seen rival opposition shooting guns at each other, I think this is the US trying to make a comment about a small nation because they are failing in Syria. I have to state, the human rights situation in the United States of America is bad! Teenage black boys are being killed by police officers! People in Zambia has the right to speech, I hear many speeches, right to education, there are many basic schools (if they aren’t, please increase the funding of AID), the right to shelter, please build us homes.

    • Didn’t Chama shoot a UPND cadre in Mulobezi? Didn’t the police shoot unarmed people in Western Province (Barotse activists)? Didn’t PF cadres strip a UPND female cadre naked? Don’t the police stop opposition parties from holding rallies? Didn’t the police not stop HH from touring Eastern province? Didn’t the PF cadres not attack HH on the Copperbelt? Don’t the police brutalise university students? The list goes on. What do you call all that if they are not human rights abuses?
      America has a problem of racism, and Zambia has a problem of tribalism and regionalism. John Kerry is right by highlight these abuses.

    • Chama shooting a UPND cadre does not result in the human rights situation in Zambia being bad. OJ Simpson killed Nicole Brown, was the human rights situation bad in the US? Do not be narrow minded, only people perpetrating violence are getting attacked. I am free to say what ever I want, do whatever I want, I am not afraid and I support neither PF nor UPND. UPND and PF have agreed that the only way to incense their supporters is to militarize them, that is their choice, both parties are violent, but for us who are neutral, I have not been beaten by any cadre, not even insulted.

    • @Cuito Cuanavale- Let people not be deliberately ignorant. I have never been abused or beaten when I go to other provinces that I do not hail from. You are mistaking political support for regionalism, Bembas do not get abused or beaten in Southern Province nor do Tongas in the North. I really think the tribalism being perpetuated by Leaders only benefits them, do not be mistaken, they are both tribalist (HH & ECL) because they benefit from this. You and me do not practice that because we actually do not lynch each other because we are from different places, we work together, we wine and dine together and the least thing I ask my friends is where they come from.

  35. DONOT CONDEMN JOHN KERRY ITS THE PEOPLE THAT FEED HIM THE FALSE REPORTS HE HAS NOT WALKED IN GARDEN OR CHAZANGA OR KABWATA OR KAMANGA

    LIKE OBAMA WAS SAYING ON HIS VISIT TO CUBA I AM SURE IF KERRY HARD TO PERSONALLY TRAVERSE ZAMBIA AND STAY A LIITLE BIT HE WILL CERTAINLY AGREE THAT ITS PEACEFUL AS ENJOYED BY OTHER US ENVOYS IN ZAMBIA

    ITS NOT AS HEZBOLLA IN SYRIA PEOPLE SHOULD NEVER WISH BUT PREACH PEACE

  36. Rubbish!

    What human rights are you boasting of having as US?

    What about all the murders of kids by your police, imprisonment of high profile citizens who have excused themselves from christening homosexual and lesbian unions?

    Leave Zambia alone. If you must know, there is such a thing as defaming the President in our democratic document the Constitution. One hopes you now don’t want to write a constitution for Zambia.

  37. America should be the last to talk about human rights… We have seen it all Mr Kelly… Were people are being killed by the police who suppose to serve them…so the best America can do is to shut up and fix its human Rights violation

  38. Zambia is by far better than Yemen or isis or Greece or china or Mexico or Indonesia or Egypt or Italy including Nepal as Its actually far better than Uganda and better in Sub Sahara countries but the exhortation is welcome

  39. America is the worst of abuse of human wrights.
    It is in America where black people are killed by the police and no one talks about it.
    It is no problem, but how many people have been killed by the police in zambia.

  40. I like John Kerry appreciation of Cuba in Miami recently cementing business relationships and opportunities between the US and Cuba even when many have suffered persecutions at the hands of Gov. agencies there

    Positive attitude towards Zambia will be for the best interest of US and Zambia not reports distant from the Ground Its not like the skeletons in the EU hidden in the Greece refugees

    Zambia is a home and America to Zambians

  41. Yes there is crime and especially political violence and it is worrying. Just because it is coming from elite terrorists does not mean it is not true. Why have several NGOs and political parties been calling for an end to political violence if what the elite terrorist is saying is not true! Even the PF know that there is violence being perpetrated by both the ruling and the opposition political parties. Of course John should be paying more attention to his human right problems in his house before he can cancel others.

  42. I am disappointed to highlight that now I realize why the Americans rejected John Kerry at the polls in 2004. He has a fundamental misunderstanding of what human rights are. Secondly, John Kerry must understand that for some rights to be honored, Zambia needs finances, how can we enforce the right to shelter and to food without adequate finances? The United States of America should be the last to talk about human rights with their dual record on supporting dictators, destabilizing an entire Libya, Egypt and installing one class of dictator to replace the last, the United States has caused the rise of ISIS because they openly supported these Syrian rebels and gave them legitimacy by calling them the “Free Syria Army”; now they are killing civilians. Only gullible minds can be duped…

  43. When things get out hand, you`re the same people who will be asking for help from the US and international community. And yet you don`t want them to point out the telltale signs. Most of the things pointed out by John Kerry are legit.

    The level of corruption in Zambia is too high, that is why the country has worsened in the areas that John Kerry has pointed out. Corrupt and incompetent leaders will do anything (such as sponsoring violence against opposing views and setting police against opposition) to make sure they remain in power because they cant survive without government-linked corruption. This is what we`re seeing in Zambia. Very sad.

  44. Be civilized and grow-up. Politics is not violence. Violence is not politics. Zambia is not Zimbabwe. It’s not Uganda.

  45. John Kerry try to tell the same to Zimbabwe and you will see how Comrade Mugabe will handle your rubbish allegation.
    Just thank Zambia and its leader ECL whose only focus is to uplift the standard of living for majority Zambians through countless infrastructure developments evidence all parts of Zambia.

    Come to Zambia if you so wish and you will see development done by pf for Zambian people.

    For your information, Zambia is cultured nation, if the print keeps on insulting the head of state in the name of human rights such a print needs to be censured or told off. With or without human rights the head of state needs respect because he is a custodian of every Zambian. You insult him, you insult every Zambia because its us Zambians who entrusted him with the presidency through the…

  46. the ballot box and we are anxiously waiting to do the same on 11th August, 2016.

    PROUD MEMBER OF PF – THE WINNING TEAM

  47. Iam also proud member of the UPND.meet you on 11th Augast,2016.Ba fi colour ba PF ku ya beele to ka milopola.

  48. True lies of the highest order from mr kelly.The abuse that you and your country have had impossed on Innocent people around the globe should not be a burden for zambians.If GOD could talk on phone as we do,he would have called you a liar.

  49. @Darth wadar Take a walk in compton in Chicago and see if you can come out live.Take that same walk in day light in compton.

  50. Don’t blame Kelly. I have not seen him in this country but I have seen ambassador schultz. He is responsible for the dossier Kelly read. Now this ambassador is both malicious and inexperienced in foreign affair issues in Africa I guess. For us in Zambia, it will take ages to put up with Journalists like Mmembe n his insults by african standards. The POA is a great companion of any Zambian Government thats why we have held the peace. Ambassador schultz is not only malicious but dangerous. I can’t help but suspect that he is Masonic too judging from the timing of this dossier.

  51. Americans are generally very ignorant about the rest of the world, especially Africa. John Kerry probably doesn’t even know where Zambia is. I spent nearly ten years in the US, and I was often amazed at how ignorant my professors were about my origins. Every time I said I was from Zambia they would scratch their heads and ask whether Zambia was some Caribbean island or a town in Nigeria or South Africa (the only African countries they seemed to know). I wouldn’t therefore be surprised if Kerry thinks Zambia is some banana republic to the north of Djibouti where they they cut your head off if you express an opinion at variance with that of the Republican President!

  52. I think that a country which calls itself a democracy and runs guantanamo bay, shoots children playing with toy guns to death, sentences minors to life in prison, makes wars based on lies and weapons of mass destruction that dont exist and so many other atrocities should, to use their own language, shut the f.uck up.

  53. Don’t blame Kerry. I have not seen him in this country but I have seen ambassador schultz. He is responsible for the dossier Kerry read. Now this ambassador is both malicious and inexperienced in foreign affair issues in Africa I guess. For us in Zambia, it will take ages to put up with Journalists like Mmembe n his insults by african standards. The POA is a great companion of any Zambian Government thats why we have held the peace. Ambassador schultz is not only malicious but dangerous. I can’t help but suspect that he is Masonic too judging from the timing of this dossier.

  54. Folks in Zambia ought to be cautious and carefull about some of these human rights frenzy and fuss. To say that we have a country under the sun with complete favourable human rights record is a wishful thought and an overstatement. Can anyone highlight to me what will become of this country without the POA. Hollier than thou ambassador schultz – yeah how about your country’s Human Rights Record; you are now getting on my nerves. I think you need to tone down a little bit before you embarass yourself and your country. You are too loud and operating dangerously dragging innocent Kerry into the mud. Wake up Eric, this is Africa.

  55. The danger within our society is taking sides on which side one’s bread is buttered. Telltale signs of intolerance and self-denial are evident for those with eyes to see, and ears to hear. When things go bad, those insulting will likely be the first to seek help from USA or such countries. So do the country a favour by listening for once!

    • You suffer from inferiority complex. Have you seen the US end wars in the DRC? Enjoy your peace coward.

  56. Oh! Is this what Kalaba meant when he said that Edgar Lungu has raised Zambia’s profile in the world? It seems it has been raised to the same level as Mugabe’s Zimbabwe!!
    Kerry is right. Don’t be in denial.

  57. US fired missiles at Journalists in a Hotel in Iragi when they were covering an Illegal war by the US. Mr Kerry which missiles have been fired by GRZ at the media, opposition leaders in Zambia? Mr Kerry go and sort at the plight of Palestinians who are being killed daily by the arms you have sold to Israel. And also sort out your ” good” terrorists that you are sponsoring in Syria, before you waste your time on a peaceful country that is trying to find its feet.

  58. What of Trumps insults and intimidation is not worrying you? Please i need yo personal opinion on this one as well

  59. Comment: UNBALANCED REPORT THE WHITE POLICEMEN. IN YOUR COUNTRY ARE KILLING BLACKS BY. GUNS IS THIS WHAT YOU CALL HUMAN RIGHTS

  60. The current Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi was denied in 2005 a diplomatic A-2 visa to the United States. In addition, the B-1/B-2 visa that had previously been granted to him was revoked, for reasons only the United States know.

  61. Comment:The killing of Micheal Brown by US white cop was not only racial but extra judicial. Talk of drone killings…

  62. John Kerry needs to adress the war crimes committed by his own government, before going around the world and telling people whether their elections were legitimate. Bombing and destroying Libya, subverting Syria and the Ukraine.

    Why is John Kerry talking about human rights in Zambia at all?

  63. John kerry………Pls leave Zambia alone.
    America has committed more human right abuse than Zambia.
    Libya,Egypt are some examples of countries destroyed by American without a cause, Shame on you.
    We know you are after our Uranium,gold and oil……
    Uranium, gold and oil are things God has blessed Zambia with, sorry you will not have them….cause these belong to the people of Zambia…….We know you are trying to use a fool(hh) for you ruthless Americans to gain the mines back.
    We are not the ones who told you anglo america to leave the country during the late president Mwanawasa
    We went through a lot of pain……but God is faithful.
    Americans once again i say leave our Uranium,gold and oil its for our childrens children, Thank you.
    Zambians beware of a very selfish man who…

  64. It’s so sad to note how dull these PF cadres are just from their comments. And scary to realize that this is the caliber of people that are governing a country……and not even a kantemba! These swines have ruined the country and we need educated people in the driver’s seat!! And not bachpante pante type of politicians we have now!!

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