Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 14th Session
Universal Periodic Review of Zambia
Statement by Australia
Australia welcomes the delegation from Zambia and appreciates its engagement in the Universal Periodic Review process.
While noting that Zambia is considered abolitionist in practice, we are concerned that the death penalty remains part of the law and is a mandatory sentence for certain crimes. Australia recommends that Zambia abolish the death penalty and accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
We acknowledge that Zambia is undertaking a Constitutional review process, involving widespread consultation with the community. Australia encourages Zambia to seize this opportunity to further entrench the protection and promotion of human rights in law, particularly in relation to discrimination of women, children and persons with a disability.
Australia notes with concern Zambia’s criminalisation of consensual same-sex relationships. Australia believes that human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent and apply to all persons, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals. We recommend Zambia decriminalise same-sex relationships between consenting adults and strengthen efforts to address inequality and discrimination based on sexual orientation.