. YOUNG

By SARAH TEMBO –
THE United States (US) Government says it is committed to working with  Zambia to address human rights concerns.
Charge d’ Affaires at the US Embassy David Young said the US  appreciated the ongoing dialogue with the Zambian Government over the internationally recognised human rights that both nations have pledged to uphold.
“Those are important commitments we make with all our citizens. We firmly believe both the US and Zambia are more secure in a world where Governments protect their people’s rights and freedoms,” Mr Young said during the unveiling of the 2013 human rights report at the US Embassy in Lusaka on Wednesday.
He also said the debate on the Constitution-making process currently taking place in Parliament was essential and healthy in a democratic nation.
He said the opposition Members of Parliament had the right to express their views on what they thought was right, and they deserved to be heard.
“We believe that the peaceful process of debate and dialogue in the Zambian Parliament today is very important and we strongly support that,” he said.
He also called on the Zambian Government to drop its appeal against gay rights activist Paul Kasonkomona who was recently acquitted in the Lusaka magistrate’s court for allegedly soliciting for immoral purpose.
Mr Young said his Government was disappointed with the decision to appeal against the outcome of the Kasonkomona case.
He said when acquitting him, Magistrate Lameck Ng’ambi issued an eloquent statement about the importance of free speech in a democracy.
“We urge the Zambian Government to drop its appeal in this case. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right to be respected and embraced,” he said.