Hon. Haimbe Welcomes UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression
Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, S.C, M.P, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, today received Her Excellency Ms. Irene Khan, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, at Charter House in Lusaka.
During the courtesy call, Ms. Khan expressed her gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Zambia for inviting her to undertake a country visit, describing it as a constructive gesture.
She announced that she would be in Zambia from 20th to 31st January 2025, engaging with the Government and various stakeholders as an independent expert appointed by United Nations Member States.
Ms. Khan emphasized her team’s readiness to exchange views with the Government on strengthening Zambia’s commitment to human rights, particularly freedom of opinion and expression, in light of recent legislative developments.
She expressed hope that her mission would provide a constructive contribution to the Government’s approach to upholding human rights.
The United Nations Commission on Human Rights established the mandate of the Special Rapporteur in 1993 to promote and protect the right to freedom of opinion and expression. The Human Rights Council has since extended the mandate every three years.
Special Rapporteurs, as part of the Human Rights Council’s Special Procedures, gather relevant information regarding violations of freedom of expression, discrimination, threats, or violence against individuals, particularly journalists and media professionals.
Ms. Khan’s mandate includes receiving credible information from Governments, NGOs, and other entities, making recommendations to better promote and protect freedom of expression, and contributing technical assistance or advisory services through the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
In response, Hon. Haimbe welcomed Ms. Khan and emphasized the importance of her visit. He highlighted the Government’s commitment, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution’s Bill of Rights.
He acknowledged the importance of the Special Rapporteur’s engagement with various stakeholders and reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to partnering with the United Nations to foster national development.
