The Human Rights Commission – Zambia (HRC-Z) has called for stronger collaboration between the church and government to enhance child protection, while commending the church for its important role in safeguarding children.
Speaking during a plenary discussion at the Second Annual Together for Orphans Conference held on 16th July 2026 at Government Complex, HRC-Z Vice Chairperson, Dr. Felicity Kayumba Kalunga, said the church and the State play complementary roles in promoting children’s rights.
She noted that while the church approaches child protection from a faith-based perspective, the government is guided by international human rights standards.
Dr. Kalunga observed that issues such as adolescent health education and teenage pregnancies require greater attention in some church settings, requiring strengthened collaboration with the State and other stakeholders to ensure children receive holistic protection and support.
She also committed the Commission to strengthening the capacity of church leaders on the Children’s Code Act, noting that misconceptions persist in some communities that human rights encourage juvenile delinquency.
“We need an open dialogue on this, and we know that the church is the best avenue to raise awareness on the provisions of the Act, including the rights and responsibilities of children, parents and guardians,” she said.
During the conference, HRC-Z also conducted a breakout session on children’s rights and advocacy, reaching more than 180 participants with information on the Commission’s mandate and emerging child rights concerns.
Manager for Complaints and Investigations, Mr. Kebby Malila, said the Commission continues to receive complaints relating to child sexual abuse, neglect, trafficking and other forms of abuse.
He urged parents and guardians to closely monitor children’s use of digital technologies, warning that online platforms are increasingly being exploited to abuse and exploit children.
He also encouraged parents and guardians to uphold children’s right to participate in decisions affecting them and always act in their best interests.
Participants were informed that churches can request human rights sensitisation programmes from the Commission and were encouraged to report violations through the Commission’s toll-free line, 8181.
Organised by Orphan Sunday Zambia, this year’s Together for Orphans Conference brought together more than 800 pastors, church leaders, traditional leaders and government representatives to discuss child protection, safeguarding and the welfare of orphans.
