Foreword It is with great pride and honour that I present Zambia’s Initial State Report on the implementation of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights. The Government of the Republic of Zambia places extreme importance on the protection and promotion of fundamental human rights and freedoms, which are essential in achieving meaningful development. It is the guarantee of civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights and people’s rights that are a measure of good governance, which in turn adds to the well-being of the people. The occasion of preparing the State Report on the Charter was opportune as it provided Government a moment to take stock of its legislative, judicial and administrative functions, in order to assess the impact of these functions on the political, economic and social welfare of the country. The Report highlights the several measures that Government has put in place to implement the Charter and the several factors and difficulties affecting the implementation. Though Government is challenged by economic constraints, it is fully committed to implementing the rights in the Charter. Allow me to state that the Ministry of Justice will in the course of this year prepare a training manual on human rights law; and conduct training courses for all law enforcement agencies. In addition, the manual will be distributed to ordinary Zambians in order to enhance their knowledge of human rights. The preparation of the Report involved the participation of relevant Government Ministries and Departments, the Judiciary, Human Rights Commission, Civil Society and Academia. The Report is characterized by openness, frankness and 4