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JCTR presents a petition of over 12,481 signatures from Zambians to NCC

By editor
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Yesterday, 3 February, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) presented to the Human Rights Committee of the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) more than 12 thousand (12,481) signatures from Zambians across the nation demanding that these rights be included in the new Bill of Rights of the new Constitution.

The JCTR says in a release signed by a Chilufya Chileshe obtained by ZANIS in Lusaka, today,that the move was aimed ensuring that the NCC rights Committee takes consideration on the strong need of making Economic, Social and Cultural Rights justiciable and legally enforceable through inclusion in the new Bill of Rights.

The JCTR adds that this is a strong voice from many Zambians that strengthens the wishes of many Zambians expressed in the last three Constitutional Review Commissions (Mvunga, Mwanakatwe, and Mung’omba Commissions).”

It says that the Zambians’ wishes must be taken seriously by members of the NCC and government.

“We should not take for granted the voices and aspirations of Zambians that made such demands. The realization of ESCR through inclusion in the new Bill of Rights is mandatory in promoting human dignity and also in according these rights their proper place,” says Dominic Liche of the Church Social Teaching Programme at the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection.

It notes that this it is encouraging that the NCC through the Human Rights Commission is seriously considering inclusion of ESCR in the new Constitution in its review of the proposed Mung’omba Draft Constitution.

According to Mr Liche, however, “ We have noticed some distracting voices that are trying to sway support of NCC members towards non-inclusion. These voices have mainly argued that provision of ESCR will bankrupt Zambia and that Zambia cannot afford a Referendum.

” Such voices are merely misleading for we have stressed that these rights will be progressively realized and prioritisation and maximisation in utilisation of available resources can ensure that more and more Zambians access their needs.”

JCTR is not necessarily arguing for distribution of “free” social services, but “access” to these basic necessities. Those against the Referendum seem to be saying that people’s choices and aspirations do not matter in making a Constitution that is claimed to be a “People’s Constitution”.

Mr. Liche stressed that “Zambia should adopt the new Constitution through a Referendum because the Constitution begins with “We, the people…” and people must be involved in the adoption process Otherwise, there is a danger that the next President and Party in power will simply call for a new Constitution.”

It is the duty of Zambians especially policy makers (such as members of the NCC) and the legal professionals to make clear in policy and legislation how these rights can be implemented. To continue hiding under the cover of “Zambia has no money and ESCR will make us bankrupt” is inadequate to answering the demands of the many Zambians who want these rights to be enshrined in the new Bill of Rights of the new Constitution.

According to the JCTR ESCR, constitutionally guaranteed , are necessary for the fulfillment of the Millennium Developments Goals (MDGs), the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP) and the Vision 2030.
ZANIS/MM/ENDS

editor
editorhttp://www.lusakatimes.com

87 COMMENTS

  3. # That is the problem of commenting without. No wonder you end up agreeing with somebody who is insulting you without even knowing it. This petition is not about passports, but bill of rights ..read my friend before you dash to comment and sometimes you don’t have to comment. Nothing wrong with that

  5. 3. Iri

    I know that this has nothing to do with New Passports!!

    I was just question a different Petition altogether!!

    I am fine with that Number :)>-

  9. “Yesterday, 3 February, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) presented to the Human Rights Committee of the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) more than 12 thousand (12,481) signatures from Zambians across the nation demanding that these rights be included in the new Bill of Rights of the new Constitution.”

    I hope these are not Roman Catholic people’s signatures only. Whatever the case, this is a good move as it indicates that people have taken the NCC as a serious thing that will help us move forward or backwards.

  18. The intro of this story is faulty. You don’t start a story with “Yesterday, February 3,…” unless it is the day itself that is of significance. In this story the significance is that JCTR presented 12k signatures to NCC to include the bill of rights in the constitution….Ba Westklyn/Norma Jeans journalist please, yaba.

  28. NCC is a sheer waste of our meagre resources.The Mungomba constitution commission was elaborate enough besides,we’ve got a lot of constitution commissions to refer to and do a comprehensive job.Pa zed we joke too much.Seriously,the guys in NCC are myopic and very subjective who are just keen on pushing their pocket agendas.Politics of the stomach is at play in NCC.If i were president in Zed,i would abolish the NCC and channel that money to building schools and hospitals in rural areas….honestly,ati MPs should cross floor to another party,what with the high levels of political prostitution,politics of agrandizement and cadre mentality atitude in zed.

  31. #9 Maestro. Goodmorning. So what if the majority of the signatories are Roman Catholics. If the move is to benefit the people of Zambia, so be it. Why are you such a negative person?

    The Roman Catholic has done a lot for Zambia in terms of education, hospsitals, orphanages etc

    I want to meet you. You are a strange man with strange ideas who must be doing strange things.

  37. 31 SISTER greetings. Did you miss my “Whatever the case, this is a good move as it indicates that people have taken the NCC as a serious thing that will help us move forward or backwards” on #9?
    On what if they are Catholics,my worry is that they may advance Articles of law coming from the POPE/papacy,as they call him “holy father” in our NCC which could be tricky following world events where some character will assume power as leader of the New World Order one government and place self above God,our Creator (KJV Bible 2 The 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God,or that is worshipped;so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God,shewing himself that he is God.)

  38. Maestro and others who think the same what is your beef with Roman Catholics? The modern day Church tries so hard to be a force for good in society…must we all be crucified for other peoples sins? What about forgiveness?

  39. Maestro you like in la la land watch too much TV? The pope will no more assume power of the world than Hitler would rise from the dead.

  40. #37 Maestro

    Your thinking is very shallow Maestro. This proves it and now I am convinced you have a serious problem.

    Being negative in life is very unhealthy. Lets talk about the good and I mean the excellent work the Roman Catholic church has done for Zambia, did they advance the “Articles of law coming from the Pope…..and yes our Holy Father?

    VIVA Roman Catholic Church

  42. Good morning everyone

    We will wait and see what happens, these pipo are fond of announcing issues that will not even materialise.

    Maestro I hope you are not a churchist “if there is such a word”.
    Be it SDA and Catholics we are one all and originated from one father.If SDA cannot stand for Zambians then let Catholics do it on our behave.

  43. Morning all.

    Guys tu snow twabako bad mwe.:-?:-?

    Matworld thanks for your mail.

    Bruder L send me the stuff. Will be waiting.

    Rashid mwaile kwi? Nice to see you.

  44. 38. Anonymous and 39. Anonymous, continue underrating the papacy at your own peril.
    40. SISTER, I respect your opinion.
    42. Njobvu Kazi, relax. I was educated in a Catholic School and I am grateful for all they did to me in terms of education. They also allowed us SDAs to worship our God, the Creator, though they forced us to attend time wasting MASS.

    “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark. The real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” – Plato of Greek Antiquity

  45. Wats the problem with this guy Maestro fimo fimo? My bro your attitude is an obstacle to meaningful development.the catholic church has been there for a long time now with much sustainable development projects than the hell you think.change for the better.

  46. 40. SISTER, on your ““Articles of law coming from the Pope…..and yes our Holy Father? VIVA Roman Catholic Church”, the pope is a human being and I take him as such. He is also fighting for a place to enter heaven like both me and you.

    Here is what the Holy Scriptures record:
    Ephesians 4 + King James Version Bible

    4:4 [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

    4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

    4:6 One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.

    THERE IS ONE FATHER OF ALL GOD, the Creator fo the Universe and everything in it, ansd not any human being!

  47. My Holy Bible records:

    Jesus Christ sent the Holy Spirit to be His representative on Earth when He left us for heaven to prepare places for us there (see the Book of John).

    [KJV Holy Bible] Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

    Since God Jesus Chrsit (Hebrews 1:8) indicates that He only gives His Holy Spirit to those who OBEY Him and the whole Godhead (1 John 5:7), only those who obey the Commandments of God and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ have the Holy Spirit (Revelation 12:17; 14:12 and 19:10).

    This is my position following my understanding of Holy Scriptures. This is my OPINION.

  48. I have been a fan of this blogg for sometime now but opted to just watch from afer. I like the comments, arguments and debates on this blogg. I just like the way some of you guys hammer the politicians. Today I thought of taking part by asking what you guys think about the arrest of Maiko Zulu A.K.A. St. Michael. I was arrested in 2004 for trafficking, even though I was just in possetion. I have been silent for sometime. Its just that I feel I should do something for my friend and brother Maiko.

  49. # 37 I think Mr HHH your language is too strong on this blog, you may end up creating enemies unnecessarily. There is no space for you to explain what you are starting here. You seem to be a fanatic in everything though you end up on the loosing side. I remember the way you came out on Hikainde and also on your tribe, I thought a lesson was drawn from there. Come down to earth be accommodative such thinking is what makes people detonate themselves in the name of religion. [-([-([-(

  50. 45. Polboy, please see my posting on #44.

    May you all have a good day. I will be presenting some work in about 2 hours time to about lunch hour so I may be off from time to time to respond to any overzealous characters with little understanding of Holy Scriptures trying to attack me for my well understood standpoint.

  52. 49. myself, where am I not accomodative following your “# 37 I think Mr HHH your language is too strong on this blog, you may end up creating enemies unnecessarily. There is no space for you to explain what you are starting here. You seem to be a fanatic in everything though you end up on the loosing side. I remember the way you came out on Hikainde and also on your tribe, I thought a lesson was drawn from there. Come down to earth be accommodative such thinking is what makes people detonate themselves in the name of religion.”?

    Can you also provide proof of your claims by quoting my own words and where the quote is found instead of showing ill-motivated overzealousness to attack me!

  53. Send the buses to all villages and towns of Zed so that we go and change,add and finish the process on time.Then we could as well get payments
    :((

  54. 51. BRUDER L greetings and thanks for showing objectiveness. I really appreciate your “Please leave our Brother Maestro alone”, these characters must learn to respect me as an individual and provide their arguments based on what I write and not their emotions.

    Keep well and take care.

  55. A lot of people on this blog have profund biblical knowledge but the case at hand does not call for that. The Catholic have presented a document to NCC and that should be our focus of debate not this “world order” rhetoric which this Maestroe is trying to drive us in. The guy has been to school but his mind has not changed so much as to look at things from a broader spectrum, I think we can forgive him.

  58. 55. myself, you character have you read my posting #9 above follwoing your misconception “The Catholic have presented a document to NCC and that should be our focus of debate not this “world order” rhetoric which this Maestroe is trying to drive us in”.

    My response on #37. Maestro Hhehhehhehhe is meant for #31 SISTER not you.

    What school did you attend where they failed to teach you COMPREHENSION in English Language Subjects?

  59. Hey! Maestro, I am a man of peace and to tell you the truth I may be sharing the same belief with you but all what I am saying is that this may not be the right fora for that. I don’t intend to injure you in anyway, I am really sorry if I did. Just that I was supprise the way you came out on this topic. Please.

  60. #56
    I was in detention for three weeks before I was given a suspended sentence. After my stint at Mpima remand prison, I released my fourth album, Banjikata Sana. But today its Maiko in court and I just feel we ought to do something as musicians for him. 2wice has also been arrested.

  61. I must point out that none of us three have trafficked cannabis, we just used it. Its just that the amount allowed for possetion by law is too negligible for someone who is an every day user of the drug.

  64. I use the term “drug” loosely here. It is a herb, a narcotic. A drug by definition is something that has been processed. Ganja is a herb.

  65. 59. myself, on “Maestro, I am a man of peace and to tell you the truth I may be sharing the same belief with you but all what I am saying is that this may not be the right fora for that. I don’t intend to injure you in anyway, I am really sorry if I did. Just that I was supprise the way you came out on this topic.” I am happy you are sorry about the way you came out after failing to comprehend what caused my response.

    Next time, please acquaint yourself with what exactly is going on before you write something. Please, “think before you ink(/write)” as the old adage goes. This is what my History teacher in Junior/Senior Secondary School at a Catholic School taught me.

    Later.

  66. Ba Nast, ati how bakamba? tell me about you and Black mama jama is she still your wife?? coz i hear she’s mentally unbalanced now…

  67. #57 I dont owe you any apology neither have I wronged you in anyway. The person whom I suppose I have wronged is Maestro and he is personable in the way he is addressing me. Are you trying to win some favours from him, well not on my expense boss!

  68. #66 Do not believe everything you hear. I was never involved with Black Mama Jama. Its my friend 2wice who has a child with her. But they never got married. 2wice is happily married and has 3 kids with the wife. I have been married to one woman for the last 10 yrs and we have 2 girls. About Mama Jama current condition, thats news to me.

  69. 68 Nasty-D
    are you real or maybe you are just playing with our us???If u are real, I really loved yr song Banjikata Sana.

  70. Nasty D,nomba when are you going back to UNZA to go and finish up your Biochem degree.Umunobe Malaya kademaunga is a graduate now.I thought 10 years ago your wife,Leya was still dating Wilson.

  71. #70, Maybe you cought up a bit late. I do not intend to continue with Biochem. I am in IT now and maybe I may go back to CBU to do my last semester for my BSc. But I feel am more of a musician than a computer scientist. I am okey with the way things are.

    [email protected]

  72. Population of Zambia is 12.9 million (Nat Stats, 2009)
    Registered voters are about 4 million. What is 12,500 people? This is even less that votes Miyanda got! The vocal minority in Zambia should not try to sway the silent majority. I find the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection an irritation. Jesuits have always wanted to control people. From the Spanish Inquisition to today, this secret army of the Romish apostate church continues to weald influence in the affairs of men. Let them stick to ‘Theological reflection.’

  74. Ati shani bakamba ba Nasty!

    Nalisabelenga ati mwalyamba church and you have been given a church post of Elder in Ndolaand that you have quit music,is it true or baletubepa?

  75. “Mr. Hichilema wondered why government has allocated K50 billion to the National Constitution Conference (NCC) when it was supposed to be winding up its work.
    He said that his party’s position was that the NCC should not be discontinued but wind up its work by June so that Zambia can have a new constitution before the next general elections.
    He said that giving the NCC K50 billion is encouraged the members to drag the process until 2010.”

    Source: ww w.zambianwatch dog.com/ ?p=1071

  76. 75 continued.

    “He expressed shock at the paltry K5billion given to the Electoral Commission of Zambia for continuous voter registration.
    He said that with that little money, the aim is to disenfranchise Zambian especially young people in 2011.
    He said the ECZ will only go to register would be voters in one province where the MMD thinks it’s popular.”

  77. 76 continued.

    “Mr. Hichilema also asserted that the main reason the local currency is losing value to other currencies is lack of confidence in national leadership. He said that is why the Kwacha started losing value significantly after the presidential bye-election.

    And Mr. Hichilema has bemoned the poor reading culture in Zambia. He said at the same meeting that Zambians don’t read that is why they like following ignorant leaders.

    “That is why you follow people who don’t say anything, you should be reading”, advised Mr. Hichilema.

    “

  78. #77. continued.

    U-Team president HH, it is not only poor reading culture but terrible NEWS coverage from the private media. Please, try to open community radio stations under UPND in all Provinces and also see if you can provide a TV Station in Northern Province of Zambia.

  79. 78 continued.
    “And in apparent reference to PF leader Michael Sata, Mr. Hichilema said that some opposition leaders have not said anything on the budget because they have nothing to say.

    “They said that they will give their o****ion after the MMD has given theirs, that is because they have nothing to say” , he said.”

    President HH, Grade 6 or Standard 4 people can not understand issues which are based on comprehension of the numbers and reality of society we live in. They only think that they can dupe dull (slow learners) minds.

    Please, president HH continue doing a noble job for all Zambians. Your efforts are really appreciated in your opposition methods to the 17 year old MMD GRZ.

  80. BOMA NI BOMA,THE OPPOSITION IN THIS OUR COUTRY WILL NEVER RULE IF THEY REMAIN THE WAY THEY ARE.

    BOMA WILL CONTINUE GETTING RICH WHILE THE POOR CONTINUE GETTING POORER.

  82. Thanks LT for this update. God bless Zambeziland. We are now talking!

    Congratulations to JCRT for presenting the petition to NCC.
    Could this noble Institution JCRT help us with our plea on Dual Citizenship.

    Fr Peter Henriot and your progressive team, kindly help us put this recommendation accross to NCC. You can already count six signatures from my family alone.

  83. My first comment on this lovely forum! It makes me feel very Zambian indeed — the language is so chimunzi. Keep it up; nane will contribute. :d/

  85. I have lived in England for many years. I have never heard of a radio staton owned by Labour, Torries or Lib Dermocrats. What Zambians should be fighting for is equal air coverage by ZNBC, Daily Mail and Times with their sister weekend papers.

    Calling for UPND to open radio stations is just retrogressive, ludicrous, childish and not Zambian.

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