UN expert on freedom of expression visits Lusaka, Livingstone and Kitwe

The United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, will visit Zambia from January 20 to 31, 2025.

The Special Rapporteur will assess various issues related to the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including the legal and policy framework and the safety of journalists, human rights defenders and civil society actors in Zambia.

Today, Khan paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe S.C, MP.

During the meeting, Haimbe reaffirmed the New Dawn Government’s commitment to upholding freedom of expression as enshrined in the Constitution.

The Foreign Affairs Minister emphasised the protection of the constitution, with a particular focus on Articles 11 and 20 of the Bill of Rights, which safeguards citizens' rights to free expression and opinion. He noted that the Constitution ensures that no administrative authority can amend these rights without a referendum, giving citizens the ultimate voice in protecting their freedoms.

Ms Khan was complimentary about the deliberate efforts by Zambia to align with international human rights standards.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs assured Khan of unrestricted access to stakeholders during her visit, emphasising Zambia's readiness to collaborate and learn from her mission's findings.

Ms Khan, who will meet with the National Assembly, the judiciary, independent institutions, the international community, the media, human rights defenders, academia and civil society actors, expressed appreciation for the government's openness.

The visit is expected to strengthen cooperation between Zambia and the UN in advancing freedom of expression and opinion.

“I will present my findings to your government on the last day of my visit, the 21st of January, and after that, I will speak to the media, but right now, I am much more in the mode of listening,” said Ms Khan.

The Special Rapporteur will present her report on the visit to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025.