The Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) has called on African states to ensure that digital transformation strengthens and does not weaken the protection of fundamental freedoms.
Addressing the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Commission Chairperson Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo urged governments to strike a careful balance between national security and protection of human rights in the fast-evolving digital age.
Dr. Sambo acknowledged progress in Zambia’s enactment of cybersecurity and cybercrimes legislation, but cautioned that such laws must be implemented with sensitivity to rights such as freedom of expression and privacy.
She emphasized the need for African States to accelerate the development of the African Guidelines on Promoting and Harnessing Data Access as a Tool for Advancing Human Rights and Sustainable Development in the Digital Age to guide
State Parties.
Dr. Sambo also highlighted the challenge of prolonged detention without trial which negatively impacted the rights of the suspects and accused persons to access justice timeously.
In balancing these concerns, Dr. Sambo also highlighted some of Zambia’s achievements in advancing human rights such as the abolition of the death penalty, the enactment of the Children’s Code Act, both of which align with international and regional child rights standards, and the enactment of Access to Information legislation.
Zambia’s tradition of free and fair elections was also acknowledged as a cornerstone of upholding human rights and good governance.
Dr. Sambo commended the African Commission for adopting progressive instruments such as the Guidelines on Arrest and Detention and the African Convention on Cyber Security. She recommended stronger monitoring mechanisms and technical assistance to help states comply with these frameworks, and ensure that commitments translate into real protections for citizens across Africa.
Concluding her address, Dr. Sambo expressed gratitude to the African Commission for fostering inclusive dialogue among governments, national human rights institutions, and civil society.
