Zambia Votes in Favor of UNGA Moratorium on Death Penalty for First Time
Zambia has made a historic move by voting in favor of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) moratorium on the use of the death penalty. The resolution, adopted on December 17, 2024, saw 130 Member States voting in favor, 32 against, and 22 abstentions.
This marks Zambia’s first time supporting the resolution since its introduction in 2007, after having abstained in all previous votes.
Minister of Justice, Hon. Princess Kasune, M.P., cast the vote on behalf of Zambia, emphasizing the country’s shift towards a pro-life stance following President Hakainde Hichilema’s abolition of the death penalty on December 23, 2022.
Hon. Kasune highlighted that Zambia’s vote aligns with the President’s commitment to protecting the right to life, as enshrined in the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and other legislative reforms such as the Children’s Code Act and the amended Penal Code.
“The visionary leadership of President Hichilema and the New Dawn Government has firmly positioned Zambia as a pro-life nation,” said Minister Kasune. She noted that the country’s stance on human rights reflects its ongoing commitment to adopting international standards while safeguarding the fundamental right to life for all citizens.
The resolution, which harmonizes with Zambia’s domestic legal framework, was finalized in the UN’s Third Committee in November 2024, before being voted on in the plenary session. Minister Kasune expressed gratitude to President Hichilema for his role in aligning Zambia’s policies with global human rights frameworks.
This decision enhances Zambia’s global reputation as a champion of human rights and positions the country as a progressive African nation. Minister Kasune further encouraged Zambian citizens to familiarize themselves with the resolution, available on the Ministry of Justice website, to understand how the country has domesticated the 10th resolution on the moratorium.
