Zambian lawyers charge govt to match UN Council seat with domestic human rights record

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has called on the Government to match Zambia’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council with a firm commitment to respecting, protecting and promoting human rights and freedoms at home.

The association said Zambia’s membership of the Council for the 2027–2029 term should be accompanied by a commitment to upholding the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and international and regional human rights instruments to which the country is a party.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, LAZ president, Arnold Kaluba, welcomed Zambia’s election to the Council on October 13, 2026, describing it as an important recognition of the country’s place within the international human rights system.

Kaluba said the election presented an opportunity for Zambia to contribute meaningfully to the promotion and protection of human rights globally.

He noted, however, that membership of the UN Human Rights Council was not only an honour but also carried significant responsibilities.

“Under paragraph 9 of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/251, members of the Council are required to uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights, cooperate fully with the Council and undergo review under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism during their membership,” Kaluba stated.

He said the Government’s stated commitment to advancing human dignity, equality, justice, democracy and the rule of law was consistent with Zambia’s constitutional framework.

Kaluba noted that Article 8 of the Constitution identified democracy and constitutionalism, human dignity, equity, social justice, equality and non-discrimination, and good governance as national values and principles.

He added that Part III of the Constitution provided for the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.

Kaluba said Zambia’s credibility in promoting human rights internationally would depend partly on how effectively the same principles were upheld in the exercise of public power domestically.

“Zambia’s election should therefore be matched by an equally firm commitment at home to respect, protect and promote the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and by the international and regional human rights instruments to which Zambia is a party,” Kaluba stated.

He said the election presented an important opportunity for public institutions and office holders to renew their commitment to constitutionalism, accountability and the rule of law.

“With greater international responsibility comes a greater obligation to ensure that human rights are respected now more than ever, including respect for human dignity, personal liberty, protection of the law, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, and protection from discrimination, subject to the Constitution of Zambia,” he stated.

Kaluba also welcomed the Government’s stated intention to use its tenure on the Council to champion the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

He said the Government’s priorities also included advancing the right to development and strengthening the relationship between human rights, climate resilience and sustainable development.

However, he emphasised that these objectives needed to be supported by sustained domestic measures to ensure meaningful and equal protection of rights for everyone in Zambia.

Kaluba further welcomed the emphasis on constructive dialogue, cooperation and consensus, noting that effective human rights protection required strong institutions and an environment in which people could exercise their lawful rights without undue interference.

“Effective protection of human rights requires strong institutions, an independent legal profession, access to justice, respect for due process, and an environment in which citizens and civil society can exercise their lawful rights and freedoms without undue interference,” he stated.

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