We the Religious Leaders gathered from
all around Zambia and representing the major faiths in Zambia;
Bahá’í, Christian, Hindu and Islam for
the 2nd ZINGO National Religious Leaders Conference send
you our heartfelt love and greetings. Starting July 31st
to August 2nd 2006, we deliberated on issues concerning
your welfare. Motivated by our religious teachings, we feel
obliged to affirm our belief in your human dignity. Specifically
we affirm our belief in your right to life, survival and
development; your right to participate in decisions affecting
your welfare; your right to non-discrimination, and to do
everything in your best interests.
We wish to acknowledge the efforts that
we have made so far to improve your wellbeing. These efforts
include provision of material, spiritual, moral and emotional
support.
However we recognize that these efforts,
though well meant, have not been sufficient. Some of you
have suffered and continue to suffer from the effects of
HIV and AIDS; poverty, parental neglect and various forms
of abuse including sexual abuse.
We want to let you know that we are concerned
about your situation and are determined to do everything
in our power to create an environment that enables you to
develop to your fullest potential and empowers you to fully
participate in the development of your communities. We would
like to reassure you of our total commitment towards your
protection through ensuring that laws that guarantee your
security are strengthened and enforced, and opportunities
for your moral and intellectual development are availed.
You are the precious treasures of our society
and be assured of our utmost love and commitment to you.
We are yours,
Signed:
This 2nd day of August, 2006
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of Zambia
Hindu Association of Zambia
Council of Churches in Zambia
Zambia Episcopal Conference
Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia
Independent Churches of Zambia
Islamic Council of Zambia
