On 21st July 2026, the Human Rights Commission Zambia (HRC-Z) conducted a sensitisation meeting on access to information (ATI), targeting information holders and requesters in Solwezi.

The engagement brought together representatives of various public and private bodies that are classified as information holders under the ATI Act, civil society organisations and journalists, who were engaged in discussion on the ATI Act to enhance their awareness and understanding of its implementation, their rights and obligations under the Act, including the procedures for making, receiving and processing information requests, and the oversight role of HRC-Z in the enforcement of compliance.

Speaking during the engagement, HRC-Z Manager for Human Rights Advocacy, Mr. Simon Mulumbi, stressed that access to information underpins the enjoyment of all other fundamental human rights.

“Without access to information, it is difficult for anyone to enjoy other human rights,” Mr. Mulumbi said.

He noted that the enactment of the ATI Act was the culmination of more than 20 years of dedicated advocacy by civil society, the media and other stakeholders to ensure that the right to access to information is guaranteed and in line with international standards.

The engagement was held with support from the European Union through GIZ.