The Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) conducted a stakeholder engagement meeting on 5th November 2025 in Kasama, Northern Province, to promote awareness and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms ahead of the 2026 general elections.
HRC-Z reminded stakeholders of their duty to promote citizen participation in elections, emphasising that the election of people’s representatives was a very important process which had a bearing on both local and national development.
Some of the rights highlighted during the engagement meeting included the right to freedom of assembly and association, the right to vote, freedom of expression, the right to freedom of movement, and equal protection of the law.
The need to ensure the bill of rights was upheld during elections was strongly emphasized as it entrenched citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms, such as the right to life, the right to personal liberty, the right to protection against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and the right to secure protection of the law.
Law Enforcement Agencies were encouraged to avoid arbitrary arrests and detentions and uphold human rights by enforcing the law without any form of discrimination.
The political parties were reminded to enjoy their rights and freedoms within the prescribed limits of the law, such as respect for public order and the rights and reputation of others.
The key stakeholders engaged during the meeting included representatives from the Judiciary, provincial leaders of political parties, civil society organisations, law enforcement officers, journalists and the National Assembly Constituency Office.
Earlier, the HRC-Z team, led by the Director for Education, Training and Advocacy, Mr. Mweelwa Muleya, paid a courtesy call on the Northern Provincial Administration. Mr. Muleya explained that respect for human rights remained a fundamental feature of a credible election.
“The Human Rights Commission is desirous that the next elections are free and fair, with people exercising their right to vote, and other rights and freedoms in a responsible and peaceful manner. That is why we are engaging stakeholders to promote dialogue among themselves to reduce incidences of conflict,” he said.
He also emphasised that Zambia was a pioneer of constitutional democracy in the region and there was a need to preserve this reputation.
Meanwhile, Northern Province Assistant Secretary, Mr. Jordan Mwenya, praised the Commission for organising stakeholder engagement meetings, noting that the platform would increase knowledge among political and civil society players, who would, in turn, champion the enjoyment of human rights and freedoms.
