By KETRA KALUNGA
UNREGISTERED firearms have contributed to the acts of political violence and the ultimate violation of human rights, the Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has observed.
SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Cheembe says the increase in the circulation of small arms and light weapons is a concern that should be addressed as soon as possible through an amnesty.
Mr Cheembe said the Zambia Police should ensure that all those in possession of unregistered firearms and light weapons voluntarily surrender them.
He said in a statement that firearm amnesty would contribute to the safety of Zambians as it would encourage people to surrender illegal weapons.
“We call for amnesty by the Zambia Police Service to all those in possession of these weapons to voluntarily surrender them so that we contribute to greater peace, security, safety, human rights enjoyment, and stability for the country,” he said.
Mr Cheembe urged those in possession of illegal weapons not to fear surrendering them to the police because by law there is no punishment to those who volunteer to give them up.
He also urged the police to increase sensitisation on firearms so that more people could come forward and surrender the weapons.
Mr Cheembe appealed to the public to take advantage of the firearm amnesty by the police in line with the Human Rights and the Arms Trade Treaty to which Zambia is a state party.
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