Zambia and the Universal declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and nations
Date
2011-12-16
Authors
Torul, Ved Pukash
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Events in the past have awakened world opinion on the importance of extending international protection of the individual. World leaders and legal philosophers have also recognised the merit of the struggle for man’s basic rights. There is, therefore, a constant and consistent attempt at international as well as municipal levels to build a new public order of human dignity. The subject on human rights and fundamental freedom is so vast, that it is not possible to do full justice in a few pages written in satisfaction of the requirement for a dissertation. Convinced by the vastness of the subject and the limitations imposed upon a student of law, only a few selected areas on human rights have been brought into focus. Chapter I looks at the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its impact on international relations and practices at the municipal levels. Chapter II attempts to show that Zambia through sustained efforts and legislative enactments, has tried to give effectiveness and force to civil and political rights of an individual. Chapter III discusses how Zambia, through various economic reforms and the instrumentality of the law has tried to conform to the economic standards of human rights as provided in the Universal Declaration. Chapter IV brings out the salient features of social rights in Zambia. Problem areas such as the right to work, leisure and social security of an individual have been brought to light. These rights have also been looked at from different levels. These are homes for the aged, family and child welfare, Provident Fund, legal aid and the right to fair hearing and administrative justice. Chapter V focuses on Zambia's commitment to ensure effective development of human personality by the implementation of the right to education and culture. The conclusion tries to evaluate the existing civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in Zambia. It also contemplates to suggest measures to improve on the present set up. As pointed out earlier, all aspects of human rights cannot be brought within the limited scope of this dissertation. However, attempt will be made to discuss the areas important in relation to the topic. I have had several constraints while working on the dissertation. On the expiry of his contract, Prof. Dayal who was initially appointed as my Supervisor, left the University. It was not possible for the University to appoint another supervisor until later this year. Major portion of the dissertation has been supervised by Dr. Koul who has tried his best to give the dissertation a presentable form. Another constraint was lack of resource materials. Due to unavailability of latest reports en Co-operative Development, Education, social services and legal aid, it has not been possible to make the present data up-to-date. On the other hand, most of the information collected are from interviews and discussions held with different officials at various levels in the ministries and departments concerned. I also had recourse to the University of Zambia Library (Special Collections), National Archives, High Court Library, The Evelyn Hone College Library, the United Nations Library (Lusaka) and the International Labour Organisation Library (Lusaka).
Description
Keywords
Human Rights - Zambia