STATEMENT: LUSAKA / GENEVA (31 January 2025) –
“Human rights are at a crossroads in Zambia as the
country prepares for general elections in 2026 amidst major economic challenges and rising
political tensions,” said Irene Khan, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of
Expression, in a statement at the conclusion of an official visit to Zambia from 20 to 31 January
2025.
“This government came to power on a platform for change, promising to uphold human rights,
and it must follow through on its commitments to foster a truly enabling environment for the
freedom of expression,” she said.
Highlighting some positive developments since the Government came to power in 2021, the Special Rapporteur commended the Government for adopting the Access to Information Act.
“It is now crucial that this law is fully implemented, including through the full
operationalization of the Human Rights Commission as the access-to-information agency,”
Khan stated.
Khan also welcomed the decriminalization of defamation of the President but cautioned that
other legal provisions continue to restrict free expression.
“Laws on criminal libel, seditious practices, insult, hate speech, cyber crimes are being used to prosecute, punish and silence critical voices and must be repealed or revised,” she said.
“Legal reform is imperative but equally, there is also the need for clear policies to ensure that
police and prosecutorial authorities apply the laws in a fair and non-discriminatory manner. I have sensed disappointment with the slow pace of reforms and also growing concerns that the oppressive tools and tactics employed by the previous regime are being revived tosuppress criticism against this government.”
The Special Rapporteur expressed concern about the continued application of the Public
Order Act by the police as a license to restrict and disrupt public gatherings and urged the
government to speed up the repeal and replacement of this law.
The Special Rapporteur noted that Zambia faces a high level of online information manipulation by political actors.
“I am disturbed by the rising tide of disinformation and smear campaigns generated by politicians, including from the opposition, seeking to manipulate
public opinion, heighten tensions and create confusion,” she said.
She urged politicians to exercise responsibility in their speech.
“While political speech enjoys strong protection as a human right, politicians have a special responsibility to inform, not mislead, the public and to refrain from advocacy that incites violence, hostility or
discrimination which is strictly prohibited under international law,” she said.
Finally, Khan called for legal reforms to ensure the independence of key institutions, including
the judiciary, the Independent Broadcasting Authority, the Electoral Commission, and the
Human Rights Commission, to ensure accountability and safeguard freedom of expression.
“Respect for freedom of opinion and expression is vital for Zambia’s development as well as
democracy.” Khan emphasized in closing.
Her full statement is here:
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/issues/expression/statements/2025-
01-31-sr-feedex-eom-visit-zambia-en.pdf