CLA News / Foreword by CLA Vice President for Africa, Linda Kasonde
It is July, which means it’s wintertime for those in the Southern Hemisphere and summertime for those in the Northern Hemisphere. Over the last few days, the world has seen record-high temperatures in both the southern and northern climes. Scientists’ warnings over global warming are now being manifested and it’s time we all paid attention. I am reminded of the 2021 film ‘Don’t Look Up’ in which two astronomers tried to warn the world that they were facing an existential catastrophe. These warnings went unheeded and finally led to the destruction of the planet. Dear Readers, we cannot ignore the impending disaster that awaits us if we do not do our part to save the planet.
The proverbial sky is falling down in other ways in many countries. The global decline in democracy has not spared the African Continent. Worrying signs are appearing in Kenya following the recent unrest over the soaring cost of living; the Ugandan government has recently enacted a very draconian anti-LGBTIQ law and homophobia appears to be spreading across the region, the Zimbabwean government has also recently enacted the Patriot Act which criminalises dissent against the State. Ahead of the August 2023 polls, we hope to see free and fair elections in Zimbabwe and that the will of the people will be respected.
On a positive note, the Africa Hub will be hosting the first-ever Women Lawyers Forum in Lusaka from 17th to 18th August 2023 in Lusaka, Zambia under the theme, ‘Beyond Barriers’. This initiative aims to speak to some of the challenges that women face in the legal profession and to provide an overview of the current status of women in the profession. Please look out for more information on our mailing list.
To conclude, lawyers must not bury their heads in the sand over the burning issues of our time. We all have a role to play in tackling climate justice, promoting human rights and the rule of law, and simply being better human beings.
Linda Kasonde
Vice-President for Africa
