UN Rapporteur Highlights Zambia’s Human Rights Progress, Marking a Clear Break from the Past

Zambia’s human rights landscape has significantly improved under the United Party for National Development (UPND) government, breaking away from the violations that characterised the previous Patriotic Front (PF) administration, according to UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan. Speaking during her visit to Zambia, Khan praised the government’s openness to international human rights engagement but cautioned that the country now stands “at a crucial crossroads” ahead of its next general election.

During meetings with government officials and civil society representatives in Livingstone, Kitwe, and Ndola, Khan assessed Zambia’s progress in civil and political rights. She noted that the previous decade under the Patriotic Front (PF) was marked by human rights violations, including restrictions on freedom of expression. “Four years ago, we could not even have a TV or radio programme without the risk of being harmed physically,” Hichilema recalled, reaffirming his commitment to upholding fundamental freedoms.

Khan, the first UN Special Rapporteur to visit Zambia in eight years, presented her preliminary findings to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A final report, including government feedback, will be submitted to the UN Human Rights Council in June. She praised Zambia’s efforts to align with international human rights standards, particularly as the country expresses interest in regaining UN Human Rights Council membership.

Hichilema acknowledged that progress in freedom of expression and other rights is an ongoing process, not a single event. As Zambia moves towards its next elections, the challenge remains to ensure these improvements are sustained and strengthened, reinforcing democratic values and protecting fundamental freedoms for all citizens.