WEBINAR REPORT
4th Human Rights Seminar in Zambia
– Empowering Communities: A Call to Action for Child Protection
Date and Time: Saturday, January 27th, 2023, 10:00-12:00 (Time in Zambia)
Location: Decatur, Georgia, USA
Topics: Empowering Communities: A Call to Action for Child Protection
Host: HWPL Global 08 Branch
Speakers:
Mr. Kenneth Muleya
Mr. Chintu Kampamba
Bishop Golden Matanga
Swami Divyabodhananda
Mr. Levy Nyirenda
On January 27th, the HWPL 08 Global Zambia Branch successfully organized a Human Rights Webinar in Zambia.
The event saw a diverse attendance of 108 participants from various sectors, including Parliament members, education experts, religious leaders from different faiths, and notable figures such as a former national soccer player and a Director of a Youth NGO.
The central focus of the webinar was garnering support for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) and solidifying a collective commitment to officialize HWPL’s peace education in Zambia.
To achieve this, we must first acknowledge the significance of education. Implementing comprehensive and age-appropriate child rights education in schools can instill a sense of understanding and respect for the rights of every child. By integrating this into the curriculum, we empower our youth to become advocates for their own rights and those of their peers.
– Mr. Kenneth Muleya, General Secretary to Head Teachers’ Association of Zambia
Introduction Webinar
SHIFT TOWARDS POSITIVE PEACE
A significant revelation during the webinar was the acknowledgment by a majority of the audience that their society currently resides in a spectrum of negative peace. However, there was a collective aspiration to transition towards positive peace. Participants expressed a desire to move beyond the passive avoidance of overt conflicts and strive for a society that actively.
promotes social equity, understanding, and collaboration. This shift signifies a commitment to address root causes, promote justice, and build a society founded on genuine sustainable peace and prosperity.
Background Information
The inception of the Human Rights Webinar in Zambia marked a pivotal initiative to address the pressing issue of child marriage within the country. The primary focus was on raising awareness regarding children’s rights through educational and media channels. A critical emphasis was placed on the imperative role of both governmental entities and civil society in actively supporting and addressing these pertinent issues.
In a significant stride toward progress, the “Children’s Code Act” was enacted in September 2022. This legislative milestone was the culmination of the unwavering dedication of 16 CSE Champions—Members of Parliament committed to shaping a brighter future for Zambia’s children.
The journey of these seminars commenced with the 1st Human Rights Seminar in Zambia, centering on discussions about enacting laws to combat early marriage and the roles of civil society. The 2nd Human Rights Seminar continued the discourse with a theme focused on institutionalizing Child Rights Education, deeming it essential for public understanding following the passage of the Child Code Bill. The Legislate Peace Workshop added further depth to the conversation, aiming to enhance awareness of Children’s Rights in Zambia.
Building on the momentum generated by these previous engagements, the 3rd Human Rights Seminar in Zambia adopts the theme “Empowering Communities: A Call to Action for Child Protection.” The prior enactment of laws and institutionalization of child rights education have laid the groundwork, prompting a collective commitment to fortify the safety and nurturing environment for Zambia’s children.
Points of discussion
KEY HIGHLIGHTS 1
Universal Support for DPCW
The international community must collaborate on a comprehensive legal solution to safeguard peace, transcending nationality, ethnicity, and religion. HWPL, through the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), strives to create a legal framework for enduring peace, fostering a world where everyone can live free from the threat of violence.
“I support peace! I love peace!” overwhelming support was received for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) from all participants. An impactful “I support peace, I love peace” performance echoed throughout the audience, symbolizing a collective commitment to peace.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS 2
The panel discussion revolved around the practical steps and commitments required to support HWPL’s 2024 objectives in Zambia. Here are key points from each panelist:
Mr. Kenneth Muleya, General Secretary of Head Teachers’ Association of Zambia
- Advocated integrating peace education into school curricula.
- Urged national backing to create a robust framework for nurturing a culture of peace through DPCW.
“To achieve this, we must first acknowledge the significance of education. Implementing comprehensive and age-appropriate child rights education in schools can instill a sense of understanding and respect for the rights of every child. By integrating this into the curriculum, we empower our youth to become advocates for their own rights and those of their peers.”
Mr. Chintu Kampamba, Former National Football Team Captain 2012 AFCON Winner
- Urged every Zambian to be a driving force for peace.
- Proposed community engagement, media utilization, global collaboration, and policy advocacy.
Bishop Golden Matanga, Tabernacle of Meeting Pentecostal Church
- Emphasized integrating peace education into religious teachings and programs, advocating for the DPCW as a proactive step in engaging with global peace efforts.
Swami Divyabodhananda, Spiritual Director and Secretary of Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre Lusaka
- Emphasized the essence of Hindu teachings for peace, urging actions rooted in understanding, tolerance, and respect for all beings.
“To spread dignity and peace among individuals, religions and nations, there is only one way. That is to spread the dignity of human beings. Dignity is divine. Every being is potentially divine. So, we can spread peace (messages) among individuals and nations. Loving everyone and seeing the divinity, those are not face to face or physical forms. When we see divinity and love others, it won’t allow us to expect anything from others.”
Mr. Levy Nyirenda, Working group of the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth
- Mobilizing the youth as impassioned advocates for the DPCW.
- Envisioned transformative workshops and campaigns equipping the youth with tools of peace.
“Make youths understand the policy. Which one love change. Already as from my team we’re working with young people, go to school. Program? Climate, education, etc. We’re getting young people in schools. Teachers and schools, we work together.
Knowledge is power. Engaging them in different program. HWPL has come in Zambia and invited lots of youth. Engaging in this level, through this different program I believe people will get empowered.
Youths or young people they can voice out. Others don’t know where to voice out so I’m going to make the platform. In such a way we can change a lot of things.”
Mr. Steven Kungala, President of Malawi Secondary School Headteachers’ Association
“Zambia is taking the lead in HWPL’s peace activities, and I hope Malawi will also join in and become a country that takes the lead in peace activities.”
Next Steps
We aspire to implement a peace project within Lusaka’s constituency, contributing to broader UN SDGs. This initiative aims to turn collective commitment into tangible efforts, fostering positive peace aligned with HWPL’s holistic approach as having a position in the UN special consultative status.
