The Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) and the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) have announced a strategic partnership to address the rights of vulnerable and marginalised groups in Zambia.

The announcement was made when HRC-Z Chairperson, Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo, paid a courtesy call on MCDSS Permanent Secretary, Ms. Angela Kawandami, in Lusaka on 27th May 2026. Dr. Sambo was accompanied by Vice Chairperson Dr. Felicity Kayumba Kalumba, Commissioner Panic Malawo Chilufya, Commissioner Laura Miti, Director General Ms. Mbololwa Wamunyima, and staff.

Dr. Sambo noted that the HRC-Z and MCDSS shared the mandate of promoting and protecting the rights and dignity of children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable persons.

“We believe that stronger institutional collaboration will enhance the protection of human rights, improve access to remedies and promote more responsive, inclusive and rights-based service delivery,” Dr. Sambo said.

And Ms. Kawandami acknowledged HRC-Z’s role in providing oversight, advocacy, and monitoring of social protection programmes.

She stated that HRC-Z’s role ensured that social protection interventions were implemented in a manner consistent with human rights principles, including dignity, equity, transparency, and accountability.

Ms. Kawandami said that the role played by MCDSS in child protection and safeguarding, social protection, and the management of safe homes and child reformatory centres was critical to the promotion and protection of human rights.

Together, HRC-Z and MCDSS committed to broadening collaboration to address emerging human rights issues, advocate for legal and policy reforms, improve service delivery, and promote community sensitisation.