The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has taken a significant step towards promoting awareness and understanding of human rights in the context of elections in Mongu.
 In a meeting held in the Mongu Council Chamber with stakeholders, Human Rights Commission Director for Education Training and Advocacy Mwelwa Muleya emphasised the importance of upholding the principles of proportionality, lawfulness, and necessity in exercising human rights during electoral processes.
Human Rights Commission Senior Education and Training Officer Lucy Bwalya explained that the Human Rights Commission Act No. 4 of 2024 of Zambia, passed by the National Assembly, repealed and replaced the 1996 Act to strengthen the commission’s operations.
Ms Bwalya noted that the adopted Mandela Rule grants the commission legal personality authorization, strategic litigation for victims, and refines its functions in promoting and protecting human rights.
She reiterated the commission’s commitment in initiating strategic litigation on behalf of complainants and victims to provide legal redress.
” As we enter into the campaign period, we face a lot of legal complaints from both parties and supporters, hence the need for the commission to take up responsibility of a fair and quick trial,” Ms Bwalya explained.
“The legislation was enacted to address evolving human rights challenges and enhance the enforcement capabilities of the commission within Zambia, “she added.
The HRC Senior Education and Training Officer explained that ahead of the elections the commission will provide the vulnerable groups representation and investigation of cases before the courts of law.
And Community leader Situmbeko Mukelabai emphasized the need for the commission to intensify its operations ahead of the elections in order to provide fair judgement.
Meanwhile, Prince Mayamba, a representative from The Center for Democratic Governance and Research (CDGR) has called on the commission to enhance the training into the districts.
