The Human Rights Commission – Zambia (HRC-Z) participated at the 2026 Mutomboko Traditional Ceremony in Mwansabombwe District, Luapula Province, to raise awareness of human rights and provide members of the public with information and complaint-handling services.

As part of the activities, on 24th July, 2026 HRC-Z featured on a live radio programme on Mwansabombwe radio station where officers discussed cultural rights, children’s rights, the rights of accused persons and the Access to Information Act.

The Commission emphasised that culture and human rights are complementary and encouraged communities to preserve positive cultural values while rejecting harmful cultural practices that violate human rights.

Among the issues highlighted was Ichitaleme, a traditional practice involving the use of charms and rituals to identify individuals suspected of causing death through supernatural means, which has in some instances resulted in mob violence and unlawful killings.

The Commission received complaints from members of the public alleging human rights violations and encouraged citizens to continue accessing its services through provincial offices, social media platforms and the toll-free line 8181.

The Mutomboko Traditional Ceremony is held annually during the last week of July and commemorates the migration of the Lunda people from the Kola (Luba) Kingdom in present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo, while celebrating their rich cultural heritage under the leadership of Paramount Chief Mwata Kazembe.