The Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) has encouraged children to exercise their right to report by themselves or through the help of adults any violation or abuse of their rights to the Commission.

Speaking during a human rights sensitisation session at Bricho Academy in Lusaka on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, HRC-Z Senior Education and Training Officer, Ms. Lucy Munthali, urged the learners to take an active role in safeguarding their rights.

“Regardless of your age, HRC-Z has a constitutional mandate to promote and protect your rights. When your rights, or those of others around you, are violated, report to us by dialing 8181 toll-free,” Ms. Munthali said.

Meanwhile, Education and Training Officer Mrs. Precious Kalima outlined key rights that children are entitled to, including the right to life, education, parental care, identity, privacy, protection from discrimination, sexual and substance abuse.

Mrs. Kalima emphasised that children have the responsibility to respect the rights of other people as they enjoy their rights, noting that rights and responsibilities go hand-in-hand.

Speaking on behalf of the pupils, 12-year-old Tapiwa Banda welcomed the engagement, saying it had helped learners better understand their rights and how to act when those rights are threatened.

And Bricho Academy Head Teacher, Mr. Samson Chiwaya, said the knowledge acquired will have a lasting impact beyond the school, as learners share knowledge within their communities.

During the session, learners were also guided on how to lodge complaints, with the Commission highlighting its legal standing and quasi-judicial powers in handling human rights violations.

The sensitisation session, attended by 69 pupils and six staff members, forms part of HRC-Z’s ongoing outreach programme aimed at promoting a culture of human rights awareness and accountability across the country.