Zambia has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term. The Government said the seat gives the country a voice in shaping the global human rights agenda and reflects its long-standing commitment to protecting fundamental freedoms.
The United Nations General Assembly held the election on October 13 at UN headquarters in New York, during its ongoing 81st Session. Zambia now takes a seat on the 47-member council.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mr Mulambo Haimbe, SC, announced the result in a statement. He described the election as a milestone in Zambia’s multilateral diplomacy.
The Minister said the seat gives Zambia the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the global human rights agenda, strengthen international cooperation and advance human dignity, equality, justice, democracy and the rule of law.
He said the country’s membership rests on the conviction that human rights, good governance and the rule of law are fundamental to sustainable development and lasting peace.
Mr Haimbe pointed to reforms at home as evidence of that commitment. They include the abolition of the death penalty, stronger protection frameworks for women, children and persons with disabilities, and expanded access to education and social support programmes.
The Government linked the election directly to President Hakainde Hichilema’s Grow Zambia Agenda. The statement said the agenda puts people at the centre of development and holds that economic progress must go hand in hand with protecting fundamental rights, creating inclusive opportunities and improving livelihoods.
The Minister said the Head of State has consistently positioned Zambia as a beacon of peace and stability and a champion of fundamental freedoms.
On its plans for the term, the Government said Zambia would promote constructive dialogue, cooperation and consensus among member states, and work towards a more effective, inclusive and responsive council.
Zambia intends to champion the rights of women, children and vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities. It will also advance the right to development and push for stronger links between human rights, climate resilience and sustainable development.
Mr Haimbe said the seat offers what he called two-way impact. Zambia would strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights at home while helping build a council that responds more effectively to the needs of all countries, particularly developing nations.
That idea was central to Zambia’s campaign for the seat. Mr Haimbe led the country’s delegation to the General Assembly, and during the campaign he argued that council membership could bring the body closer to citizens and give developing countries a stronger voice within it.
The Government thanked the member states that backed the bid. “The Government expresses its sincere appreciation to all United Nations Member States that supported Zambia’s candidature and looks forward to working with the international community to advance dignity, equality, justice and respect for human rights for all,” the statement reads.
Zambia’s three-year term on the council begins in 2027.
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