ZAMBIA has observed that the rule of law is the core principle of good governance and has called on the United Nations (UN) Member States to continue strengthening the tenets of the rule of law in their governance systems.
Zambia is of a strong belief that for the rule of law to prevail, it is crucial for UN Member States to establish an independent judiciary as well as ensuring the doctrine of the separation of powers is respected and upheld.
First Secretary (Legal Affairs) to Zambia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN) Muki Phiri has however observed that even if Member States had a sturdy judicial system, if the laws governing the people are oppressive, inhumane, and tyrannical and undermining the existence of society, the principle of the rule of law would be nothing but speechmaking.
(Legal) at Zambia’s Mission to the United Nations.
Mr Phiri said the rule of law is a critical necessity to the survival of humanity and that its absence or failure would be one of the foremost threats to governance and the existence of society.
Mr Phiri said this during the ongoing 72nd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on the Rule of Law and International Levels at the Sixth Committee on Agenda Item 84.
“The rule of law, therefore, hinges to a large extent on independent, efficient and effective judicial systems. Unless it is held together by a functional judiciary, the rule of law soon dissipates, and the citizens of a nation are ultimately ruled, not by the law, but by the whims, caprices and vagary of fellow-humans.”
“It is Zambia’s firm belief, however, that even with a sturdy judicial system, laws that are in themselves oppressive, inhumane and tyrannical; laws that undermine the very existence of a society; laws that directly or indirectly rob citizens of the unalienable rights that our Creator granted every human at creation—are not laws by which men must be ruled,” Mr Phiri said.
He explained that it is the solemn duty of UN Member States to establish superstructures and indispensable foundations that would be able to secure a more peaceful, prosperous and just world committed to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law and justice.
Mr Phiri said judicial independence is recognized in many international and regional human rights instruments including International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
He stated that Zambia’s vision of becoming a prosperous middle-income country by the year 2030 is anchored on one of the fundamental policies of a conducive governance environment which is a pre-requisite for political stability, human security and sustainable economic growth.
“The rule of law at national and international levels are inextricably connected strands of the same tapestry. Zambia believes that a strong rule of law at the national level plays a pivotal role in the strengthening of the rule of law at the international level.”
“Zambia’s vision of becoming a “prosperous middle-income country by 2030”, has led to fundamental policy shifts, as outlined in the Seventh National Development Plan 2017-2021. Driven by the firm belief that a conducive governance environment is a pre-requisite for political stability, human security, economic growth and sustainable development, emphasis is being laid on five fundamental pillars, one of which is Good Governance,” Mr Phiri started.
If I was a non-Zambian delegate and listened to Muki Phiri’s speech I’d give zambia an A+ rating in its preserve of Justice and rule of rule. But alas!
@Lombe, I am scratching my head, I have no clue. Anyway, even if you were South African, will rate same A+.
Ati rule of law
Shut up and sit down iwe
That’s why mugabe was ditched as goodwill fimo fimo its because of such hypocrisy
Good message but wrong audience! Mr Muki Phiri, the people at the UN know that already. That is why the UN was created! Are you not preaching to the converted?
Try giving that message where it is needed. Come home and explain to Lungu that rigging elections and fixing the ConCourt are not the right way to go about these things. And tell him locking up the opposition on trumped up charges for “treason” and then issuing “nolles” make a JOKE out of our rule of law.
And the world is watching!
Sounds like one convict from Mukobeko telling other citizens how to be a law-abiding citizen.
This guy is indirectly talking to PF in Zambia and ZANU _PF in Zim.
Hahahaha, laughable!!! Is there rule of law to talk about in Zambia? Charity begins at home. Oh, I forgot, I am sure he wants the rule of law practised in Zambia to be extended to UN, i.e Corrupt tender procedures, locking up political opponents, suppressing dissenting voices, grand (view) corruption… list is endless
Start with the rule of law from home.
This is a different Kudos that we knew, lately, he is making sense.
It appears the only topic that turns him off is one concerning HH. If you mention HH, then Kudos is on fire. He is becoming a good Zambian, thumbs up!!!
Rule of law? Really? What hypocrisy
Rule of law for sure? Delusions of grandiose in his head or is it wishful thinking …empty words !
Jesus wept in advance….puke !
Wow Zambia ,its really laughable its like Saudi Arabia lecturing others about human rights and treating women with equality.
Rule of Law in Lungu’s Govt? Something odd, indeed. This man Muki Phiri must have picked a script belonging to the person next to him by error, and by the time he realised, he was already half-way thru reading it out.
Nonsense because there has never been any rule of law since Lungu took over Government people are in detention in police cells and prisons without being taken to court for years, there is no regard for the constitution. Zambia has gone to the dogs don’t listen to there lies.
You all misunderstand my beloved brother Muki. He is an upright man and will never condone any breach of the law. This is what he means: Zambia (Zambians in general) believe in the rule of law. And because zambians believe in it, all member states (including zambia and Lungu) should be law abiding.
Mr Muki Phiri, can you explain why the Government of the Republic of Zambia has NOT to date implemented MANDATORY provisions of United Nations Convention Against Corruption which has been subject to ratification by the GRZ way back in 7th December 2007?
What a SHAMEFUL performance by another HYPOCRITE on the payroll of Plunderers Federation lead by Endemically Corrupt Leader.
Mr Muki Phiri s script was probably written for him by Amos Chanda.
All releases are approved by State House.
Mr Phiri Sir, Address this issue in Zambia first.
I reckon this is a well researched paper anchored on truth and fact.
I therefore propose that our OWN Mr. Phiri Muki is subpoenaed by the Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini SC, to come and present the same paper to a full session of our Parliament in order to allow it debated on the floor and for him to come and defend its authenticity, him being the author.
If this is not allowed, let him be allowed to come and addresses the famous LAZ and or some forum organised by the Press Association of Zambia say at Mulungushi International Conference where all STAKEHOLDERS w3ill be represented in equal numbers.
This key cornrstone for our democracy.
Maybe he meant Loo of low … kikikiki