Reality of Aid Africa CSO’S ENABLING ENVIRONMENT IN ZAMBIA

Dimension One: Recognition of rights and freedoms affecting CSOs Freedom of Association/ Freedom to peaceful assembly/ Freedom of expression The current constitution of Zambia allows for freedom of association but subject to the application of other laws of the land. [...] These barriers include an all powerful board appointed by the Minister and weighted against the private sector although seemingly balanced; a Board with overwhelming powers and discretion and the Board discusses and approves the code of conduct prepared by the Council for self-regulation of NGOs and their operations in Zambia; and the statutory in built influence of government in relation to the c. [...] 4 Reflections of the NGO ACT The NGO Act is not compatible with the Constitution as it overly derogates from the freedom to associate beyond the prior restraints permissible in the Constitution and as are required in a democratic society; the laws regulating and having an impact on NGOs are to some extent not compatible with the NGO Act, particularly in matters relating to legal personality an. [...] The current framework is still authoritarian in the main and is inconsistent with Zambia’s Constitution and not in harmony in its intent with the other provisions of the Statute Book, except for the laws on terrorism and money laundering 5 Enforcement of the NGO Act The Government of the Republic of Zambia has relaxed the enforcement of the act following complaints from the Civil Society Organisat. [...] Consultative Meetings between the Government and Civil Society on the Amendment/Review of the NGO Act continue to be held with the objectives and goals to - dialogue on and review the NGO Act to determine the extent of its provisions, consequences and constitutionality and, if need be, set acceptable and constitutional parameters; have a uniform interpretation and understanding of the requirem.