A United Nations special rapporteur, Irene Khan, has begun a 10-day visit to Zambia to investigate claims that the government is suppressing dissent and restricting freedom of expression.
During her stay, Khan will evaluate Zambia’s legal and policy framework, as well as the safety of journalists, activists, and human rights defenders. Speaking to journalists in Lusaka upon her arrival on Friday, Khan highlighted her objective to engage with all stakeholders and provide recommendations for enhancing human rights in the country.
“I can also discuss recent developments or legislative initiatives, as well as how to strengthen your government’s commitment to human rights, particularly freedom of opinion and expression,” Khan stated.
The visit follows a series of incidents raising concerns about Zambia’s commitment to free expression. In May 2023, police arrested two opposition lawmakers, two party leaders, and an activist on espionage charges after they accused the government of involvement in the alleged abduction of independent lawmaker Emmanuel Jay Jay Banda—a claim the government denies.
Journalist Thomas Zgambo has also faced mounting pressure, being arrested three times in 13 months over articles critical of the government. He is currently facing sedition charges.
Additionally, in August 2023, the government proposed tightening cybersecurity laws to combat online hate speech, propaganda, and defamation. However, human rights groups condemned the move, prompting the ruling party to withdraw the bill.
Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mulambo Haimbe, defended the government’s record on human rights, emphasizing constitutional protections for freedom of expression.
“We have Article 11, which protects the fundamental rights of individuals, and specifically Article 20, which clearly states that all citizens in Zambia enjoy an inalienable right to freedom of expression and opinion,” Haimbe told VOA, adding that the government welcomed the special rapporteur’s visit as evidence of its transparency.
Khan’s findings are expected to offer insight into the state of freedom of expression in Zambia and guide future reforms to uphold human rights in the nation.
