Laura Miti Should Step Down from the Human Rights Commission

The recent remarks by Laura Miti, a Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission in Zambia, in response to the United Nations' report criticizing the state of human rights in the country, have ignited significant controversy. Her defense of President Hakainde Hichilema’s government, combined with her dismissive stance toward the UN’s findings, raises serious concerns about her impartiality and suitability for her role. Given these issues, Laura Miti must resign from her position.

In her response on X (formerly Twitter), Laura Miti acknowledged the “ongoing harassment/arrests of opposition leaders & functions” but disputed the UN’s claim that “citizens are fearful to speak out,” stating, “No! Zambians are loud, unapologetic & even obscene in their criticisms. No arrest of the clergy either.” This statement is not only misleading but also overlooks the growing number of incidents involving the harassment and arrest of clergy members who have criticized the government.

For example, Archbishop of Lusaka Alick Banda was publicly labeled a “Lucifer” by UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda after defending priests who had spoken out against the government. Despite efforts to privately prosecute Imenda after police refused to act, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Gilbert Phiri, denied consent for the prosecution. This blatant disregard for justice highlights how the current government shields its allies while targeting dissenters.

Another case is that of Apostle Dan Pule, who was arrested shortly after his church, Dunamis International Centre, hosted leaders from the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA), including former President Edgar Lungu, for a Day of National Prayer. This arrest raises serious concerns about the government’s willingness to suppress religious freedom and the right to assemble.

Pastor Duncan Daniel Simuchimba of Kitwe also faced arrest on flimsy charges after advocating for over 200 shop owners whose businesses were threatened with demolition by the Kitwe City Council. His case exemplifies the broader issue of government overreach and the targeting of those who stand up for their communities.

The harassment didn’t stop there. On April 7th, 2024, the Zambia Police issued a call-out for the arrest of Father Chewe Mukosa, further illustrating the government’s aggressive stance against clergy members who express dissenting views. Additionally, Chawama Catholic Church Parish Priest, Fr. Anthony Kapambwe Salangeta, faced harassment from government officials, including President Hichilema, after criticizing the government’s economic policies during a press conference filled with misleading statistics and graphs. This incident highlighted the disconnect between the government’s narrative and the reality experienced by ordinary Zambians.

One of the most shocking examples of state intimidation involved police officers storming Catholic Bishop Clement Mulenga’s office in Kabwe while he was hosting former President Edgar Lungu. The police’s demand to “fish out” Lungu or remain present throughout the meeting was a blatant violation of the sanctity of the church and a clear indication of the government’s fear of dissent.

Despite these incidents, Laura Miti has remained silent on the human rights crisis in Zambia, instead choosing to continue praising President Hichilema while viciously attacking former President Edgar Lungu and the former ruling party. Her actions reveal a partisan bias that is incompatible with her role as a Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission, an institution that must remain impartial to effectively defend the rights of all Zambians.

Cornelius Mweetwa, the Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, should also take note of these issues. His defense of the government against the UN report, alongside Laura Miti, suggests a broader effort to downplay the significant human rights abuses occurring under President Hichilema’s administration.

The UN’s report is based on thorough investigations and collaborations with various local and international organizations, making its findings both credible and urgent. The growing evidence of human rights abuses, constitutional breaches, and suppression of dissent in Zambia should not be dismissed or minimized by those in power or those entrusted with holding power accountable.

Given these actions, it is clear that Laura Miti must resign from her position on the Human Rights Commission. Her resignation would help restore some integrity to the Commission and ensure that it can carry out its critical mission without the taint of partisan influence. The protection of human rights in Zambia is too important to be compromised by individuals who prioritize political loyalty over their constitutional responsibilities.