President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the United Nations (UN) to make access to free education a universal right, stating that it is essential for advancing human rights and dignity.
The President noted that there is need to work with the UN to make certain provisions universal, among them free education, across the world.
Speaking at the Human Rights Day celebrations in Lusaka today, Mr Hichilema emphasised the importance of education in unlocking opportunities and promoting equality, hence the need to make it a universal right.
The President reiterated that Zambia is making efforts to promote access to education, which has resulted in re-enrolling 2.3 million children who had dropped out of school due to financial constraints.
He noted that this initiative has helped to expand school places and improve education outcomes.
President Hichilema also stressed the need for reforms in the global financial architecture to enable African countries to access capital at fair prices and invest in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The President’s remarks came as he reflected on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted 77 years ago.
He said the declaration’s principles of dignity, equality, and freedom are essential for promoting human rights and dignity worldwide.
President Hichilema also acknowledged Zambia’s progress in promoting human rights, including the enactment of laws such as the Children’s code Act.
He also highlighted the government’s efforts to address the impact of drought and climate change, including initiatives to improve energy diversification and promote sustainable development.
The President’s call for global access to free education has sparked hope that the international community will take concrete steps to promote education as a fundamental human right.
And United Nations Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Mutali said human rights are fundamental to human dignity, freedom, and justice.
Ms Mutali noted that human rights are not privileges, but essential guarantees that ensure peace, justice, equality, and development for all.
She emphasised the importance of protecting human rights, especially for vulnerable groups, and urged for collective action to address persistent challenges.
She has meanwhile commended Zambia’s progress in promoting human rights, including the enactment of laws such as the Access to Information Act and Children’s Code Act
Ms Mutali also stressed the need for continued efforts to strengthen human rights institutions and ensure accountability, transparency, and good governance.
She further reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Zambia in promoting and protecting human rights, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Meanwhile, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Zambia, Carolina Stasiak, says all human beings must be protected from injustice.
Ms Stasiak said the EU has been supporting efforts to strengthen human rights institutions and promote accountability.
The EU has also been vocal about concerns regarding human rights violations, including restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly.
And Zambia’s Human Rights Commission Chairperson, Pamela Sambo said several significant milestones have been achieved in recent years.
These milestones include the repeal of the offence of defamation of the President, abolition of the death penalty, and enactment of human rights based legislation such as the Access to Information Act and Children’s Code Act.
Dr Sambo also noted concerns about persistent human rights challenges, including prolonged pre-trial detention, politically motivated violence, and misuse of information technology to spread misinformation.
She has since called for enhanced respect for the right to liberty, decisive action against arbitrary arrests and maintenance of an enabling environment for free, fair, and credible elections in 2026.
Dr Sambo emphasised the need for urgent action to address school based violence, promote economic, social, and cultural rights, and incorporate these rights into the Bill of Rights
Kenneth Kaunda amended the Constitution, yet he is remembered for Liberation.
Frederick Chiluba amended the Constitution, yet he is remembered for Democracy.
Edgar Lungu amended the Constitution, yet he is remembered for Infrastructure.
Apart from Bill 7, what will you be remembered for?
Free education was Kaunda’s vision. Compare the education you received under him with what our children receive today which would you choose? Surely Kaunda’s, right?
CDF is not new; it began under Chiluba in 1995.
Debt restructuring? That is simply passing debt to the next leader.
So I ask you, Mr. President: What will be your legacy?,,
Yes yes this is one of the most important sectors holding this country back
At present we are sub standard as are a high percentage are the teachers
unza is not turning out quality but quantity in a lot of fields
If grz is that serious take teachers from variuos areas and give them the same exams the children get at the end of the year, you will be surprised by the poor results
This is not a blanket assumption as we do have some dedicated proffessionals
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sorry lusaka times for saying wag1 satan Switzerland satelite