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Zambia has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2027–2029 term, in a development the government says marks a significant milestone in the country’s multilateral diplomacy.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, announced that the election took place at the United Nations headquarters in New York during the ongoing 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, Haimbe said the election presented Zambia with an opportunity to contribute to the global human rights agenda, strengthen international cooperation and advance human dignity, equality, justice, democracy and the rule of law.
He said Zambia’s membership was grounded in the conviction that human rights, good governance and the rule of law were fundamental to sustainable development and lasting peace.
“This commitment is reflected in national policies and reforms, including the abolition of the death penalty, strengthened protection frameworks for women, children and persons with disabilities, and expanded access to education and social support programmes,” Haimbe said.
He said the election also reinforced President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision under the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda, which places people at the centre of development.
“The Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda recognises that economic progress must go hand in hand with the protection of fundamental rights, inclusive opportunities and improved livelihoods,” Haimbe said.
He said President Hichilema had consistently positioned Zambia as a champion of peace, stability and fundamental freedoms.
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Haimbe said Zambia would seek to promote constructive dialogue, cooperation and consensus among member states during its tenure, while contributing to a more effective, inclusive and responsive Human Rights Council.
“The country will champion the rights of women, children and vulnerable groups such as the disabled, advance the right to development, and strengthen the links between human rights, climate resilience and sustainable development,” he said.
Haimbe said Zambia’s election offered an opportunity to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights domestically while helping build a council that responded more effectively to the needs of all countries, particularly developing nations.
He thanked United Nations member states that supported Zambia’s candidature and said the country looked forward to working with the international community to advance dignity, equality, justice and respect for human rights.
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