Politics October 14, 2026
By Mwebantu Newsroom 45 minutes ago No comments
ZAMBIA has secured a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term, the government announced.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the election took place on Oct. 13 at UN headquarters in New York during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
In a press statement for immediate release, Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe said the victory is a milestone for Zambia’s multilateral diplomacy and its commitment to human rights.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is pleased to announce that Zambia has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term,” the statement said.
The ministry said membership will allow Zambia to contribute to the global human rights agenda, strengthen international cooperation and promote human dignity, equality, justice, democracy and the rule of law.
Zambia said its bid was anchored on the view that human rights, good governance and rule of law are prerequisites for sustainable development and peace.
The government pointed to domestic reforms as evidence of that commitment, including abolition of the death penalty, enhanced legal protection for women, children and persons with disabilities, and expanded education and social protection programs.
The statement said the election also supports President Hakainde Hichilema’s Grow Zambia Agenda, which seeks to put people at the centre of development and link economic growth to rights protection, inclusion and improved livelihoods.
On the 47-member Council, Zambia said it will push for constructive dialogue and consensus, champion rights of women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, advance the right to development and highlight connections between human rights, climate resilience and sustainable development.
Haimbe said Zambia’s approach will be two-way — strengthening rights protection at home while working for a more effective, inclusive and responsive Council, particularly for developing countries.
The government thanked UN member states that backed its candidature and said it looks forward to working with the international community to advance dignity, equality and respect for human rights for all.
(Mwebantu, Wednesday, 14th October, 2026)
