Zambia Intensifies Campaign for UN Human Rights Council Seat
By Gift Inambao
ZAMBIA has intensified its campaign for election for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council from 2027 to 2029.
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says Zambia’s candidature is anchored on its commitment to human rights, democracy, the rule of law, civic participation, gender equality and access to justice.
President HICHILEMA says Zambia views human rights as a shared responsibility that can best be advanced through dialogue, cooperation and respect for different national circumstance
He says, if elected, Zambia will work with Member States to strengthen democratic institutions, accountable governance and access to justice, while promoting the rights of women, children, young people, persons with disabilities, older persons and other vulerable groups.
The Head of State was speaking in a virtual address to UN Member States during a reception in New York to lobby support for Zambia’s candidature ahead of elections scheduled for 13th October 2026.
At the same function Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation MULAMBO said Zambia also seeks to share realities of its people, the Southern Africa region and developing countries directly to the UN Human Rights Council.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation ETAMBUYU ANAMELA GUNDERSEN said Zambia’s candidature reflects the country’s commitment to multilateralism, democracy, the rule of law, dialogue and international cooperation.
Earlier, Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York CHOLA MILAMBO said peace, development and human rights remain central to Zambia’s engagement with the United Nations.