The Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) has called on the church to take a lead in the promotion of human rights to help create and sustain a peaceful environment for holding the 2026 general elections.

Speaking yesterday, 12th February 2026, at a seminar held by Light and Life Bible Institute in Lusaka, HRC-Z Manager for Human Rights Advocacy, Mr. Simon Mulumbi said that the church had an inescapable duty and moral authority to educate their members and the general public on human rights to help build a human rights culture in Zambia.

Mr. Mulumbi said that the role of the church was key to ensuring that everyone was aware of and able to understand and enjoy their rights, while respecting the rights and freedoms of others.

He said respect for rights and freedoms was also key to promoting and maintaining peace in a democratic society like Zambia.

He also emphasized that respecting rights and freedoms, such as the right to life; access to information; freedom of expression; freedom of assembly and association; protection of personal liberty; protection from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; and protection from discrimination is at the core of holding free and fair elections.

Mr. Mulumbi called upon the church to continue to play its noble work of caring for and protecting the vulnerable in society, especially the elderly, children, women and persons with disabilities, ensuring they are treated with dignity and have their rights respected.

Meanwhile, the Principal of Light and Life Bible Institute, Dr. Bishop Humphrey Banda, praised HRC-Z for the role it continued to play in promoting and protecting human rights of all people.

Bishop Banda called upon the clergy to use the knowledge and information received during the seminar to promote respect for human rights in the communities.

He assured the Commission of the Light and Life Bible Institute’s continued collaboration particularly in human rights sensitization.