According to the Law Association of Zambia, […]

According to the Law Association of Zambia, the National Assembly ignored significant constitutional and human rights concerns raised over the proposed Public Gathering Bill. Unfortunately, these concerns were not adequately addressed.

The proposed law has triggered outrage from civil society activists, lawyers, and governance stakeholders who fear the bill could weaken citizens’ freedom to assemble and protest.

Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times (ZBT), human rights activist Brebner Changala described the bill as “deceptive” and accused government of pushing laws without proper consultation.

“For years, Zambians have been crying for the reformation of the Public Order Act, but this new bill does not address the concerns people have raised,” Changala said.

Changala claimed the proposed legislation strips citizens of their constitutional freedoms protected under the Bill of Rights.

“It takes away the right for an individual to assemble and associate. People are now being forced to beg for rights that are already guaranteed in the Constitution,” he said.

He further accused government of sidelining civil society organizations and churches during the drafting process.

“This public gathering bill in its entirety has not been done consultatively with the input that came from civil society and Christian-based organizations,” Changala said.

The activist also backed the position taken by the Law Association of Zambia, which reportedly questioned the legality of the bill.

Changala warned that the law could be used to suppress protests and criticism against those in power.

“They don’t want anybody to protest. These are inherent rights that citizens must enjoy without hindrance,” he said.

He added that the proposed law falls below international human rights standards and compared Zambia’s situation to South Africa, where public protests are more openly tolerated.

Article by Catherine Mwansa