In a statement issued yesterday, ZFPI Executive Director Joan Chirwa condemned the proposed bills, warning that if enacted in their current form, the Cyber Crimes and Cyber Security Bills would exacerbate existing human rights violations and restrictions on free speech—issues already intensified by the 2021 law.
“These bills will not resolve the frustrations caused by human rights abuses and violations of free expression that are already rampant under the 2021 law,” Ms. Chirwa said. “Rather, they will continue to stifle online activity, criminalize dissenting opinions, and undermine the privacy and security of our citizens. This would deal a devastating blow to the freedoms we have worked so hard to achieve and the progress we’ve made in promoting democracy and human rights in Zambia.”
Ms. Chirwa also questioned the government’s haste in pushing the bills through Parliament. “What’s the rush? Why the urgency on these two Bills?” she asked. “We urge the immediate withdrawal of these bills and a broader consultation with civil society, media organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure any legislation passed aligns with the principles of democracy, good governance, and human rights.”
She further criticized the rushed consultation process, noting that civil society organizations were given only two days to prepare submissions for the parliamentary committee deliberating on the bills. “It is unreasonable to expect meaningful debate on such critical issues within such a short time frame,” she said.
“The protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms is the cornerstone of democratic governance. Any government that claims to be democratic must prioritize safeguarding these rights to ensure the dignity and well-being of all its citizens,” Ms. Chirwa added.
In urging Members of Parliament to reject the bills, Ms. Chirwa called on them to uphold their constitutional duty to protect the rights of Zambians. “We implore you to fulfill your duty to defend the Constitution and the rights of the Zambian people. Reject these bills in their current form and demand the government revisit its approach to cyber security and cybercrime legislation,” she concluded.
