The Human Rights Commission (HRC) says the Media is a very important player in good governance despite it being neglected. THE Human Rights Commission (HRC) has urged the media to facilitate the promotion of human rights and discourage their violation.
HRC chief information education officer Mweelwa Muleya said rights such as freedom of expression, association and assembly were paramount especially in view of the forthcoming coming 2016 tripartite elections.
Mr. Muleya said the Media was a very important player in good governance despite it being neglected.
“We want to make sure that as 2016 approaches, Media should know their role in promoting human rights,” he added.
Meanwhile, HRC principal legal officer Kims Banda urged Government to fulfil its duty in promoting and protecting human rights.
He challenged the state to educate members of the public and raise awareness about human rights related issues.
“Ignorance is one factor that leads to violation of human rights. If people know their rights, then they can know when their rights are being violated,” he said.
Mr. Banda also urged the media to realise the impact they have and keep pushing the frontiers of human rights.
“The moment the media goes quiet, everything does not move. To make sure these rights are practiced during the period for the 2016 elections, the media should continue speaking up about these rights,” he said.
And HRC principal information officer Simon Mulumbi noted that the press is an important tool in realising the practice of these rights.
“Through reporting about violations of these rights, the media becomes an important tool in realising these rights,” he explained.
Media urged to promote human rights
