The Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) has taken another important step in strengthening its role of safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all people in the country. As part of its ongoing work to monitor and report on human rights, the Commission recently carried out a review of Zambia’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) State Report and began drafting its own independent shadow report.
This work was done during a two-day workshop held from 20th to 21st April 2026 at the Urban Hotel in Lusaka.
Participants carefully examined the State Report, shared insights from their experiences, and worked together to ensure that the shadow report captures a more complete picture of the human rights situation in Zambia.
The UPR is a charter-based human rights monitoring mechanism through which the UN Human Rights Council, through a 47-member working group, periodically examines the human rights records of member countries.
While governments submit official reports, it is equally important for independent bodies like the Human Rights Commission to provide their own perspective. This helps to ensure that the UPR Working Session receives diverse information on the human rights situation of the countries being reviewed in order to come up with appropriate recommendations on improving the situation.
By reviewing the State Report and preparing a shadow report, the Commission is able to highlight both the progress that Zambia has made and the challenges that still need attention. This work is not just about reporting; it is about making sure that human rights commitments translate into real improvements in people’s lives. It also strengthens the Commission’s ability to advocate for meaningful change and hold duty-bearers accountable.
The Commission expressed appreciation for the continued support from the United Nations, especially through the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), who financed the workshop and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which has been a key partner in this process. During the workshop, UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside HRC-Z to strengthen human rights monitoring and reporting in Zambia. This collaboration is helping to build the Commission’s capacity and ensuring that its contributions to international processes like the UPR remain impactful.
Through efforts like these, the Human Rights Commission of Zambia continues to demonstrate its dedication to protecting the dignity and rights of every person. By actively engaging in the UPR process, the Commission is not only fulfilling its mandate but also contributing to building a just, transparent, and accountable society for all.
