Edmund Rice Justice Bulletin

Edmund Rice International (ERI) has recently completed its first official advocacy action at the United Nations. A joint submission with Franciscans International was made to the Universal Periodic Review process in relation to children’s education in Zambia.

In April when the Government of Zambia presents its report to the Human Rights Council (HRC), the Zambian Mission at the HRC will be presented with a copy of the submission and will be invited to respond to the recommendations made in it. These recommendations were developed in consultation with members of the Edmund Rice Network involved in education in Zambia.

This action demonstrates the value of having a strong relationship with people on the ground whenever country specific issues arise. It also demonstrates the value of having access to the UN mechanisms through the Human Rights Council.

As the sources of the data are referenced, the Government of Zambia will also now be aware that issues raised at the local level can potentially be raised at the international level in the context of the human rights framework.

The submission will be available for viewing on the ERI website after the report is received by the Zambian government in April.