The Government of Zambia has requested the Government of Ireland to support the candidature of Supreme Court Judge, Justice Dr. Mumba Malila S.C., to the United Nations Committee Against Torture (CAT) in the elections set for October.
Minister of National Development Planning Honourable Alexander Chiteme conveyed Zambia’s request during a bilateral meeting with Irish Minister for Natural Resources, Community Affairs and Digital Development Seán Canney on the sidelines of the 2019 United Nations High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York, USA on Thursday.
Mr. Chiteme extoled Justice Dr. Malila’s tremendous experience in human rights and law reform, having served, in different capacities at national and continental level including twice as Attorney-General, Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, Vice-Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights and author of several law books.
The elections to the Committee Against Torture (CAT) will take place in Geneva Switzerland on 3 October 2019 during the 17th Meeting of States Parties. The UN Committee Against Torture is the body of 10 independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment by its State Parties. Members are elected for a term of four years by States parties and may be re-elected.
Mr. Canney responded favourably to Zambia’s request. He reminded Mr. Chiteme of Ireland’s candidature to the United Nations Security Council non-permanent member category in the UN Security Council elections scheduled for 2020 and requested for Zambia’s reciprocal support. The Irish Minister reiterated the importance of the two countries to support each other’s efforts on the international fora as a way to ensure strong representation of issues of concern to both of them.
In response, Mr. Chiteme assured Ireland of Zambia’s support to Ireland’s candidature and reiterated the need for the two countries to continue strengthening their bilateral relations.
The two ministers exchanged views on the continued cordial relationship between their countries, efforts to combat climate change and implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr. Chiteme explained the challenges that climate change had brought on countries in Africa, and Zambia in particular, such as droughts and water shortages the need to be addressed through global finance.
“Africa is badly affected by climate change and the continent needed to have a voice on international fora such as the UN Security Council,” Mr. Chiteme said.
Mr. Chiteme informed Mr. Canney that Zambia would present its Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the 2020 High Level Political Forum and called on the Irish Government for support. On climate change, Mr. Carnney explained the framework that Ireland had adopted for climate action that involves young people in being part of the solution and the importance of mindset change in the way people do things. He said Ireland adopted a climate smart framework, including decarbonisation and adoption of renewable energy sources and innovative and clean technology in transportation systems with Diesel powered vehicles being phased out and electrical vehicles being adopted.
Meanwhile, Muchinga Province Minister Malozo Sichone thanked the Irish Government for the support provided to region and called for continued financing of the activities. Mr. Sichone said with Irish support capacity had been built in governance at local level, and in water and sanitation management.
“These efforts need to be sustained with future partnerships,” said Mr. Sichone. The Provincial Minister urged the Irish Government to embark on other developmental projects in the area.
On his part, the Irish Minister for Natural Resources, Community Affairs and Digital Development responded with affirmation to Mr. Sichone’s request and called for follow-up discussion between the latter and the Irish envoy in Zambia to undertake the activities in Muchinga Province.
Issued by
Chibaula D. Silwamba (Mr.)
Spokesperson
MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Did Mumba Malila work as a high court judge? Just asking
No he did not. He was appointed straight to the Supreme Court, as was Michael Musonda who’s now Deputy Chief Justice. Judge Malila is a fine legal mind and author of books and other papers used as a reference by law students.
Really laughable this Zambian delegation …you want Irish support but when their gay prime minister asks you to tone down on gay rights you state that you are a Christian country. Dull chaps indeed with no clear foreign policy.