Human Rights Commission- Zambia

It’s Day 3 at the 2024 Africa Public Service Day roadshow taking place by the Piazza at East Park Mall.

Come through to the Human Rights Commission exhibition stand that is located between the Zambia State Insurance Company ZSIC and Anti- Corruption Commission Zambia exhibition stands.

Come and learn about the mandate and functions of the Commission, have an opportunity to sample some of our Information, Education and Communication materials on different topical issues, seek legal advice and/or file complaints of a human rights nature.

We are also giving away branded pens to each and every person that visits our stand. Come one, come all!

The Human Rights Commission is participating in the 2024 Africa Public Service week being held in Lusaka at East Park Mall, under the theme: Empowering a citizen-centric Public Service for Inclusive and Thriving 21st century Africa: A journey of Lifelong Learning and Technological Transformation.

The Commemoration starts today the 20th to 23rd June, 2024. The Commission encourages you to visit the HRC stand and interact with us.

The Human Rights Commission joins the rest of the world in celebrating the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day under the theme “prioritizing dignity, safety and wellbeing for older of all identities.”

Older members of society are not only a blessing, but also a source of pride for families, communities and the nation at large.

It is important that older members of society are protected from all forms of abuse, discrimination and exploitation, and are accorded equal protection of the law as provided for under the Zambian Constitution and various regional and international human rights instruments which Zambia has ratified.

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31st May 2024
Press Release
For Immediate Release

THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION CONDEMNS A GROUP OF YOUTHS THAT WERE SEEN MARCHING AND HEARD HAULING INSULTS AT THE FORMER HEAD OF STATE YESTERDAY

The Human Rights Commission (HRC/Commission) strongly condemns the group of youths seen and heard in a video circulating on social media in which they were hauling insults at the former President, Mr. Edgar Lungu, yesterday.

In this vein, the Commission calls upon the Zambia Police Service to protect the rights and dignity of everyone, including that of the former President, by enforcing the law equally without any form of discrimination by bringing such perpetrators of lawlessness and disorder to book.

It must be acknowledged that one of the undisputed landmark achievements of the United Party for National Development (UPND) Administration immediately after assuming governance of the country in 2021 was the restoration of the Rule of Law, particularly by ending the lawlessness and violence by party cadres that had become a norm during the previous government.

Needless to remind the nation how a wide range of human rights were being violated at the time, including deprivation of the right to life, through violence that was being perpetrated by political party cadres and that situation should never be tolerated or allowed to re-emerge under whatever circumstances.

Therefore, the Commission calls upon the police not to turn a blind eye to such acts of lawlessness, but take proactive action in order to end the culture of political hooliganism by arresting anyone engaging in lawlessness. This will send a strong message to would be offenders that political hooliganism no longer pays.

Further, the Commission wishes to appeal to everyone, especially politicians, to refrain from violating the rights, dignity and reputation of their opponents and exercise utmost decorum in their discourse in the national and public interest.

Finally, the Commission calls for enhanced co-existence, tolerance of divergent views, sobriety, the spirit of national unity, peace and love which are essential to creating a conducive environment for national development.

Mweelwa Muleya
Spokesperson
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Commissioners of the Human Rights Commission were, on 27th and 28th May, 2024, being oriented on the Access to Information Act No. 24 of 2023 which became law after the assent of the President on 22 December 2023.

The Commissioners’ orientation meeting was held at Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka and facilitated by the Panos Institute Southern Africa. Earlier in March 2024, Human Rights Commission staff from headquarters and provincial offices were trained on access to information and related legal and institutional frameworks.

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28th May 2024
Press Release
For Immediate Release

THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION CALLS FOR EXPEDITIOUS INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE ABDUCTION OF HON. EMMANUEL JAY BANDA

Following complaints from some sections of society, including the lawyers representing Petauke Central Member of Parliament (MP), Mr. Emmanuel Jay Banda, that his family members were not allowed to visit him at Maina Soko Military Hospital, the Human Rights Commission (HRC/Commission) visited the MP in hospital today, 28th May 2024.
The Commission was concerned at the reports because any patient or person held in custody has a right to be visited and communicate with family members, legal representatives and medical officers.

The Officers and Medical personal at Maina Soko Military Hospital explained that at no time did they refuse any family member to visit or communicate with Mr. Banda. They explained that from the time Mr. Banda was admitted, all his wives were allowed to be by his bed side while his sisters and other relatives were also allowed to visit him.

The Commission had an opportunity to interact with Mr. Banda and found all his three wives by his bedside. Mr. Banda himself confirmed that his family members were allowed to visit him from the time he was admitted.

Mr. Banda who narrated his abduction ordeal explained that he was tortured, particularly under the feet, but the pain was subsiding and he was now able to freely walk unlike when he was admitted. He commended the professional conduct of medical officers at Maina Soko Military Hospital from the time he was admitted. However, he expressed the desire to re- unite with his family, particularly his children, preferably “at the farm”.
In this vein, the Commission calls on the police to expedite investigations into the reported abduction of Mr. Banda and closely work with the medical officers at Maina Soko Military Hospital as well as his family members to ensure that he does not remain admitted longer than is absolutely necessary in order to quicken his psychological healing.

It must be noted that the abduction of Mr. Banda sow seeds of discord in the country, a situation that has potential to result into widespread violation of human rights if not properly and urgently addressed. Therefore, there is urgent need to expeditiously, but thoroughly investigate the matter and subject the perpetrators to the due process of the law in order to end impunity of the dreadful criminal act of abduction.

Further, the Commission is calling upon the State to improve communication with the family members of Mr. Banda and the nation at large so that there is understanding and appreciation that the measures that are being undertaken are in their best interest and not meant to victimise them.

Mweelwa Muleya
Spokesperson
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Human Rights Commission- Zambia The Human Rights Commission is a National Human Rights Institution established under Article 230 of t

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION PARTICIPATES IN THE AFRICA NETWORK OF INFORMATION COMMISSIONS 2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) participated in this year's African Network of Information Commissions (ANIC) Annual General Meeting(AGM), which was held from 23rd to 24th May 2024, in Johannesburg. South Africa.

Among the countries that attended the ANIC AGM were Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Namibia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Zambia.

Zambia was represented by the Human Rights Commission, which has been designated as the Information Commission, following the enactment of the Access to Information Act no. 24 of 2023. Principal Information Officer of Human Rights Commission, Simon Mulumbi, shared information about the developments in Zambia regarding access to information, including the existing legal and institutional framework for the operationalization of the mechanisms being set up to enforce access to information legislation.

ANIC is a network of Information Commissions, Ombudsmen and other Regulatory Authorities, including Transparency Councils or Boards that are responsible for protecting, promoting and ensuring respect for the right to access to information within the respective jurisdictions on the continent.

As the world commemorates Press Freedom Day, Human Rights Commission stands in solidarity with journalists in the country who play a critical role in disseminating information on issues of public interest, including environmental issues.

The Commission reiterates the need to create a safer environment for journalists to do their work freely and professionally.

Happy world Press Freedom Day to all media professionals! 📺📻📽️📸

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The Human Rights Commission took part at this year’s Labour Day Commemoration held in Lusaka under the theme, “Building Resilience: Workers at the Heart of Zambia's Economic Recovery.”

1st May is a day dedicated to honouring the contributions of working people in every industry and sector in Zambia.

Happy Labour Day to all workers.

www.hrc.org.zm



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The right to work is a fundamental human right, according to Articles 6,7 and 8 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Work is an important aspect of life because it promotes personal as well as economic development.

Therefore, government must always create opportunities for all its citizens to enjoy the right to work and engage in gainful employment.

It is essential that the opportunities to work must be open to every person in order to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic development.

The Human Rights Commission is pleased to wish all workers in Zambia happy Labour Day celebrations.
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The Human Rights Commission 🇿🇲 joins in Celebrating 100 years of Kenneth Kaunda.

We celebrate the legacy of the great freedom fighter and founding father of the Republic of Zambia. 👏🏾

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23rd April 2024
Press Release
For Immediate Release

THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION CONDEMNS THE ALLEGED TORTURE OF A WOMAN BY THE ZAMBIA POLICE SERVICE IN MPONGWE DISTRICT ON THE COPPERBELT

The Human Rights Commission (HRC/Commission) strongly condemns the reported torturing of a woman by the Zambia Police Service in Mpongwe District on the Copperbelt Province.

The video of a named woman circulating on various social media platforms in which she is complaining that she had suffered a broken spine at the hands of some police officers in Mpongwe District is extremely disturbing and a grave violation of the absolute right to protection against torture and other ill-treatment.

The Commission calls upon the police command to immediately investigate the matter and arrest the perpetrators of the heinous crime of torture so that they are subjected to the due process of the law in order to end impunity. The Commission will also carryout its own independent investigations and work towards securing redress for the victim.

The Commission has over the years continued receiving complaints from victims of torture who have suffered permanent disabilities as a result of aggravated assault by some police officers.

In the current case, Ms. Mary Mwansa of Mpongwe District complained that her backbone was allegedly broken by some police officers who beat her for complaining about the alleged acquittal of a police officer who had defiled her 14 year - old daughter. This case simply confirms the prevalence of acts of torutre and other cruel, inhuman or degraditing treatment or punishment being inflicted on suspects and ordinary people by police officers.

The Commission therefore calls on the Government to demonstrate zero tolerance against acts of torture by publicly condmening police brutality against suspects. Further, the Government must enact a comprehensive law that criminalises acts of torutre and other cruel, inhuman or degraditing treatment or punishment as a demonstration of its commitment to ending the violations and meeting its international human rights obligations.

Finally, as one of the immediate remedial measures, the Commission is appealing to the Government and other well-wishers to consinder rendering the necessary support to the victim to mitigate her challenges caused by her physical impairment as a result of police brutality.

(Signed)
Mweelwa Muleya
Spokesperson
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Laws may be written or unwritten.
They aim to promote justice, fairness and social order.

Laws are enforced through legal systems and breaking the laws can result in various consequences, such as fines or imprisonment.

Laws may also be amended or repealed over time as societies evolve and change.

What are laws?

Give your answer in the comment section ⬇️ below and let’s get learning.

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The Human Rights Commission is exhibiting at the 2024 Kuomboka Traditional Ceremony of the Lozi People of Western Province.

The Commission takes cognisance of the fact that the Right to culture is a fundamental right for everyone. It includes the right to participate in one's cultural life. To this effect, the Commission is carrying out sensitisation on human rights, the work of the Commission and receiving complaints on human rights violations and abuses.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit the Mongu Habour where the Commission has set up a tent for human rights sensitisation and receiving of complaints.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

The more that you read about your rights, the more things you will know and the more that you will learn.

Today we are learning about citizenship, take time to read and understand the post below.

In the comment section ⬇️ kindly define who a citizen is so that others can learn from you what you know.😊

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AFRICA DISCUSSING THE RIGHTS AND WELFARE OF THE CHILD IN MASERU, KINGDOM OF LESOTHO

The 43rd Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) has opened today 15 April 2024 in Maseru, Kingdom of Lesotho and will end in 25th April 2024]. It was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen [in green dress in the picture below].

The Vice Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission Zambia, Dr. Felicity Kayumba Kalunga, is expected to deliver a brief report on the status of the rights of children in Zambia.

The Vice Chairperson is accompanied by Commission senior Investigations Officer, Mr. Kebby Malila.

The Commission has an affiliate status with the ACERWC.

Visiting Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Dr. Maalla Najat, who was flanked by UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Penelope Campbell and Community Development and Social Services Minister Hon. Doreen Mwamba, her Permanent Secretary, Ms. Angela Kawandami, and other UNICEF staff, today Wednesday 10th April 2024 paid a curtesy call on Human Rights Commission Chairperson Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo.
Dr. Sambo was accompanied by three Human Rights Commission, Commissioners namely Fr. Emmanuel Chikoya, Commissioner Ms. Laura Miti and Commissioner Ms. Christine Chama, welcomed the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, saying that the Commission had a lot to do in relation to promoting children’s rights in the country. She sighted issue to do with Ending Child Marriages and Child Labour as some of the major issues affecting the well-being of Children.
Dr. Maalla applauded the enactment of the Children’s Code Act as one of the biggest steps taken by Zambia to protect the rights of children.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

According to the Bill of Rights, You have the right to privacy, which includes;

(a) the right not to be searched

(b)the right not to have your home or property searched

(c) the right not to have your possessions seized

(d) the right not to have information relating to your family, health status or private affairs unlawfully required or revealed

(e) the right not to have the privacy of your communications infringed.

Find out more: www.hrc.org.zm

Define a search warrant in the comment section below and let’s get learning…

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The right application of Information is power💪
Learn more about your rights and responsibilities everyday.

Mention one (1)☝️ Human Right in the comment section below and let’s get learning!!!

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Torture is a crime against humanity! STOP IT‼️❌

Standing up against torture does not mean upholding one particular community, but upholding human dignity.

Read Article 15 of the Constitution of Zambia and UN Convention Against Torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment.

Report cases of torture to HRC
call 📞 8181

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The Human Rights Commission of Zambia now has the full complement of the Commissioners following the swearing in of Fr. Joseph [Joe] Komakoma by Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, the President of the Republic of Zambia as Commissioner on 13th March 2023.