As Africa celebrates Freedom Day on the 25th of May 2026, the Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) conducted structured visits to correctional facilities and other places of detention in Lusaka Province to enhance the observance of human rights standards.
The visits, which were conducted from 20th to 21st May 2026, involved visitations to the Lusaka Central Police Station, Lusaka Central Correctional Facility and the Mwembeshi Remand Prison, Correctional Facility and Maximum Facility.
HRC-Z Chairperson, Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo, led a delegation of commissioners and staff during the inspections, who included the Vice-Chairperson Dr. Felicity Kayumba Kalunga, Commissioner Panic Malawo Chilufya, Commissioner Laura Miti, Commissioner Father Joseph Komakoma, Director General Ms. Mbololwa Wamuyima and members of staff.
During the inspections, the Commission examined conditions of detention, including accommodation, the availability of water, sanitation facilities, and adequate food.
The inspections also focused on access to health, particularly the management of chronic illnesses, emergency medical referrals, and general welfare support for persons in detention.
Dr. Sambo called for action to address the urgent need for mental health support services for persons deprived of liberty.
She emphasized that the management of mental health conditions of inmates was a critical component of their rehabilitation and well-being, adding that it was necessary that mental health support services were readily available in detention and correctional facilities.
The welfare of circumstantial children and those in conflict with the law, the treatment of inmates, and promotion of inmates’ right to access justice were other issues of interest during the inspections.
The Commission noted that judges were conducting special sittings inside correctional facilities to dispense justice, although concerns of delayed trials and non-availability of virtual hearings were noted.
The Commission also observed that challenges of prolonged detention and over-detention remained significant barriers to access to justice, undermining the presumption of innocence of the accused.
