Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo called for the full implementation of the Children’s Code Act to enhance the protection of children as Zambia joined the international community on Sunday, 3rd November 2025 in commemorating Orphan Sunday at Piazza Grounds, East Park Mall in Lusaka.
The commemoration brought together about 2,000 orphans and vulnerable children from across Lusaka, alongside faith-based organisations, civil society, corporate partners and government institutions, all united in the cause of promoting care, dignity and inclusion for all children.
Dr. Sambo observed that while Zambia had made significant strides in ratifying and domesticating international human rights treaties to protect children a lot remained to be done in ensuring that all child protection frameworks were fully implemented.
“The Children’s Code Act has many positive provisions, but key structures like the National Coordinating Committee for Children (NCCC) have not yet been fully operationalised. There are still recurrent violations of children’s rights—child labour in some districts, children in conflict with the law being detained in facilities not suited for them, delayed social welfare input, and inadequate protection especially for children with disabilities or those living in remote areas,” she said.
Dr. Sambo empathised with the orphaned children present at the gathering, assuring them of their inherent worth and legal protection under Zambia’s laws.
“You are precious in the sight of God. May you always remember your value, and may you receive the care, respect, and dignity you deserve. To every parent, caregiver, pastor, teacher, social worker, and every partner: let us continue to walk together—law, faith, and community—in protecting children, upholding rights, ensuring justice, and nurturing dreams,” she encouraged.
Speaking earlier, Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (Zambia), Dr. Joshua H.K. Banda, underscored that the care of orphans was a shared responsibility.
“True religion is to help orphans. The responsibility of caring for orphans belongs to everyone,” Bishop Banda said, urging the public to show compassion and take action in support of vulnerable children.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Community Development and Social Services, the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Beatrice Chilomo, reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that every orphaned child received love, care, and protection.
“Let me assure you that you are loved, you are not alone, and you will never walk alone,” she said.
Orphan Sunday is a global Christian initiative that originated through the vision of Gary Schneider, a missionary from the United States who, after witnessing the plight of orphans in Zambia in the late 1990s, felt compelled to raise awareness within churches and communities about the biblical call to care for orphans.
The movement has since spread worldwide, encouraging believers and communities each year to act with compassion and commitment toward vulnerable children.
