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The Human Rights Commission (HRC) says it has reviewed 105 allegations of human rights violations and abuses during its July 2026 Cases Review Meeting, resolving 62 matters while 43 remain under active consideration.
Commission Chairperson Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo presented the report to the media in Lusaka on Friday stating that the cases involved law enforcement agencies, justice-sector institutions, and other public and private duty bearers.
The cases were categorized into maladministration of justice with 2 cases, labour and employment rights 2, right to education 3, right to health 6, child protection 8, protection of personal liberty 36, and secure protection of the law 48.
Sambo said the Commission facilitated remedies through mediation, engagements with institutions, referrals for legal assistance and corrective action.
“Of these 105 cases reviewed, 62 were successfully resolved by facilitating appropriate remedies for the affected persons, through mediation, engagements with responsible institutions, referrals for legal assistance, corrective action and other forms of redress,” she stated.
Sambo raised concern over serious delays in the criminal justice process, citing three cases where complainants were remanded in Lusaka, Ndola and Mwembeshi correctional centres for approximately five to seven years while awaiting sentence.
She also highlighted the prolonged detention of murder suspects in Chinsali, Mansa and Lusaka who remained in police custody for up to 41 days without being taken before court while awaiting post-mortem reports.
“While post-mortem and medical reports may be important to criminal investigations, administrative delays cannot justify the indefinite holding of suspects without judicial oversight,” Sambo said.
On children in conflict with the law, the Commission reviewed eight cases and expressed concern that safeguards under the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022 were not being fully observed.
In Chinsali and Mansa, children were reportedly held in custody for more than five days without appearing in court, while in one matter a child was detained with adults and the Department of Social Welfare was not notified.
“Children who come into conflict with the law must be treated in a manner that respects their dignity, age and potential for rehabilitation and reintegration into society,” she stated.
Sambo acknowledged cooperation from the Zambia Correctional Service, Department of Social Welfare and Legal Aid Board, which helped facilitate access to healthcare, release of incarcerated persons, diversion of children, and progression of delayed matters.
She said the Commission would continue engaging justice-sector institutions to strengthen compliance with constitutional safeguards on arrest, detention, and timely conclusion of criminal matters.
Turning to the pre-13 August 2026 General Election, the Chairperson said the Commission has observed isolated incidents of political violence, intimidation and inflammatory language.
“Violence and threats of violence undermine fundamental human rights and freedoms, including the right to life, security of the person, freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly and the right to participate in public affairs without fear or intimidation,” she said.
Sambo cited deaths linked to political violence, including Nelson Chikumbi in Lusaka, Stanley Sakala in Magoye East, and Humphrey Lwisha in Kaputa, and called for impartial investigations.
She also condemned the reported injury of a girl in Mtendere Compound, Lusaka, during a police crowd-control operation at a political campaign.
“Children are among the most vulnerable members of society and have the right to protection from violence, abuse and situations that may place their safety and wellbeing at risk,” Sambo stated.
The Chairperson further expressed concern over low women representation in nominations, with women at 12.5 percent of parliamentary candidates, 10.9 percent of mayoral and council chairperson candidates, and 8.5 percent of ward councillor candidates, and urged stakeholders to promote equal participation.
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