The Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) has conducted a human rights sensitisation session for children at Mutende Seventh Day Adventist Church in Mansa, following an invitation from the church’s Children’s Ministries Department.
Held on 14th April 2026, the engagement reached 70 children aged between 5 and 18 years, equipping them with knowledge on their rights and responsibilities.
Speaking during the session, HRC-Z Officer, Ms. Mirriam Manda emphasised the importance of balancing rights with responsibilities.
She outlined key rights children are entitled to, including the right to education, health, parental care and guidance, as well as protection from sexual exploitation and corporal punishment.
Ms. Manda encouraged the children to be responsible and respectful individuals, urging them to actively participate in church activities and uphold positive values within their families and communities.
Another HRC-Z Officer, Mr. Kabaso Mwewa, urged the children to report cases of abuse and human rights violations to trusted adults and relevant authorities.
He highlighted the Commission’s toll-free line, 8181, and other accessible platforms as safe channels for reporting.
The interaction revealed a strong need for increased awareness of sexual abuse, as children raised concerns and sought guidance on how to respond to inappropriate touching, as well as challenges related to limited child-friendly reporting mechanisms.
Mr. Mwewa reiterated the importance of speaking out against abuse, assuring the children that the Commission remains accessible through multiple reporting platforms, including social media.
Meanwhile, Children’s Ministries Leader, Mrs. Iness Lichowa Mulelema, described the engagement as timely and impactful.
She called for sustained collaboration between the Church and HRC-Z to ensure that more children are empowered with knowledge of their rights, responsibilities and protection.
The session concluded with the distribution of information, education and communication materials to reinforce the children’s understanding of human rights.
