The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has expressed concern with the widespread human rights violations in the country, such as delays in attending to children’s cases, and rising violence in schools remain some of the most pressing concerns recorded this year.
Speaking during a press conference in Lusaka today, HRC Chairperson Pamela Sambo said the Commission is reasserting its mandate to keep the public informed on the human rights developments with its first engagement with the media since January 2025.
Dr Sambo noted that the HRC Board of Commissioners only resumed office in October this year after being reappointed and ratified under the new Human Rights Commission Act No. 4 of 2024.
She said the Act places enhanced responsibilities on the Commission, including a statutory duty to report regularly to the public on the protection, promotion and enjoyment of human rights across the country.
Dr Sambo said this week, the Commission held its inaugural Cases Review Meeting, during which 193 cases were examined.
She noted that of these, 148 were closed after successful resolution, while 45 require further action to secure full remedies for victims.
“These figures represent more than statistics; they are the lived realities of Zambians who encounter human rights violations every day,” she noted.
Dr Sambo highlighted how staggering 150 out of the 193 cases representing 77.7 percent involved in unlawful detention.
The Commission described this trend as “deeply worrying,” pointing to persistent violations of Article 13 of the Constitution, which guarantees personal liberty.
She said according to the HRC, many individuals continue to be detained under substandard and life-threatening conditions, with some detainees developing severe health complications and others dying while in police custody.
The Commission also highlighted continued illegal practices by law enforcement, including arresting suspects before investigations are concluded, denying police bonds particularly in rural areas and detaining suspects for prolonged periods due to administrative delays.
Dr Sambo added that in rural districts, suspects struggle to meet police bond requirements because officers often demand sureties from civil servants or formally employed individuals, categories that are scarce in many communities.
The Chairperson said compounding delays were also noted in cases requiring post-mortem reports, medical examinations, laboratory tests for drug-related offences, and slow docket movement between the Police and the National Prosecutions Authority.
“These systemic bottlenecks undermine the right to liberty and must be urgently addressed,” she stressed.
Dr Sambo stated that the Commission reviewed 27 cases involving children, noting that despite the enactment of the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022, many violations persist.
She explained that through HRC intervention, 11 children were released and placed on diversion programmes in line with the law.
Dr Sambo added that delays in disposal of children’s cases, despite legal requirements that such matters be concluded within six months.
The Commission called for more judicial officers dedicated to children’s issues countrywide.
The Human Rights Commission outlined several immediate actions aimed at addressing the concerns such as engagement with the Zambia Police Service to enforce stronger accountability for unlawful conduct by officers among others.
Dr Sambo commended the media for its “critical role” in exposing human rights violations and supporting national accountability efforts.
She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every person enjoys equal protection of the law, and that duty bearers across institutions uphold human rights obligations without exception.
“We remain unwavering in our resolve to safeguard human dignity and ensure that no Zambian is left unprotected,” she noted.
