Kasonde Warns On Worsening Corruption
Chapter One Foundation Executive Director Linda Kasonde has warned that corruption is worsening in Zambia.
Speaking on corruption and human rights, Kasonde said that the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed several human rights challenges faced by Zambians.
“These include inadequate access to healthcare, the poor social welfare system and the limits to the enjoyment of free speech and freedom of assembly. These challenges coupled with the persistent corruption in the country will have long-term detrimental effects on Zambia’s social and economic development. Indeed, in many countries including Zambia, we have seen corruption with respect to the abuse of resources meant to fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kasonde stated.
Commenting on last week’s International Anti-Corruption Day Kasonde said there was a need for “more deliberate action to prosecute offenders of corruption.”
She noted that poor financial transparency and biased testing structures demonstrate the need for better management and increased scrutiny of public procurement processes.
“We urge the government to desist from wanton abrogation of human rights and human rights standards and to allow for the enjoyment of human rights without discrimination based on ethnicity, political affiliation, gender, and status. We further urge the State and State actors to denounce all forms of corruption, leading by example with integrity and transparency in all public and private actions.”
Kasonde also reminded people of the power they hold when it comes to the fight against corruption.
“Standing up for human rights is not the exclusive mandate of non-governmental organisations or civil society organisations. Ordinary citizens can demand that human rights be respected and upheld by reporting human rights abuses and/or speaking out against them. In order to do so, members of the public must first acquaint themselves with the rights guaranteed in the bill of rights of the Zambian Constitution,” Kasonde advised.
“Chapter One Foundation calls on the public to exercise their right to report corrupt practices wherever they occur. The Anti-Corruption Act empowers any person who has reason to believe that corrupt practices have occurred to report the offenders to the Anti-Corruption Commission and prompt an investigation into such activities. Furthermore, we urge the public to answer the call to stand up for their human rights and the rights of their fellow citizens.”
