Human Rights Commission Chairperson, Pamela Sambo, has raised concern over the continued underpayment of domestic workers, security guards, and general workers, despite clear minimum wage laws being put in place.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka today, Ms Sambo said the trend was among the most disturbing patterns observed during the Commission’s cases review meeting held from 14 to 15 April 2026.
“The cases reviewed reveal a clear and concerning pattern of human rights violations and abuses that requires urgent national attention,” she said.
Ms Sambo disclosed that out of 100 cases reviewed, 82 were successfully resolved through mediation, redress, or corrective action by relevant institutions and remaining 18 cases still under active investigation.
She noted that the breakdown of the cases shows that the majority to the 69 related cases to secure right protection through right to secure protection.
“We have 69 cases that included 16 cases on the right to personal liberty, 8 on labour and employment rights, 3 on deprivation of property including land, 2 on the right to health, and 1 each on freedom from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and child protection matters,’ she said.
Ms Sambo singled out the systemic underpayment of workers as a major concern, noting that domestic workers, security guards, and general workers remain among the most vulnerable despite forming a critical part of Zambia’s labour force.
“Despite the existence of legislation prescribing minimum wages for domestic and general workers, many employers continue to pay wages far below the legally established thresholds,” she added.
She reminded employers and the public that Statutory Instrument No. 49 of 2023, the Employment Code for domestic workers who have minimum wages and conditions of employment order, resumed on the first of January 2024,that average workers should be offered One Thousand Three Hundred per month.
Ms Sambo further stressed that the law caters various categories including cooks, house helps, childcare providers, gardeners and security guards to be considered.
She said the meeting was held under section 6 of the Human Rights Commission Act number four of 2024, that mandates reporting to the public on the observance of rights and freedoms in Zambia.
Ms Sambo further urged the public on the role human rights plays in raising awareness on issues of labour rights by continuing campaigns.
