On Thursday, 23rd April 2026, the Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z), in partnership with the Germany Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), convened a stakeholder validation meeting in Lusaka to review an institutional capacity assessment report.
The meeting follows the completion of the draft report by consultants aimed at strengthening the Commission’s ability to execute its mandate under the Access to Information (ATI) Act, No. 24 of 2023.
Speaking during the opening session, HRC-Z Director General, Ms. Mbololwa Wamunyima, emphasised that access to information is fundamental to the enjoyment of other rights, including freedom of expression, participation in public life and promotion of accountability in governance.
“It is therefore imperative that the Commission is adequately capacitated to effectively discharge its oversight and quasi-judicial functions under the Act, particularly in handling appeals and ensuring compliance by information holders,” she said.
Ms. Wamunyima added that stakeholder input would directly inform the development of tailored training modules for Commissioners and staff, enhancing the Commission’s capacity to effectively implement its ATI mandate.
Meanwhile, the Team Leader – Transparency and Accountability under the Enabling Access to Justice, Civil Society Participation and Transparency (EnACT), Zacharia Malasha, commended HRC-Z for its openness to an external review of its systems and processes.
“It is not always easy to open your doors to external scrutiny. We commend the Commission for its transparency,” he said.
Lead Consultant, Ms. Florence Chibwesha, clarified that the assessment was not a performance evaluation, but rather a baseline study to support the Commission’s ATI oversight role by providing recommendations for improvement.
This activity is supported by the Federal Republic of Germany and co-funded by the European Union under the GIZ EnACT Programme.
