“Human Rights Must Be Upheld”: HRC-Z, Police in Talks
The Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Zambia Police Service in the promotion and protection of human rights across the country.
This followed a courtesy call paid on 30 January 2026 by HRC-Z Vice-Chairperson, Dr Felicity Kayumba Kalunga, on the Zambia Police Service Deputy Inspector-General (Administration), Ms Charity Munganga, at Police Service Headquarters in Lusaka.
The meeting aimed to enhance collaboration and information sharing between the two institutions to improve the protection and enforcement of human rights in line with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Dr Kalunga, who was accompanied by Commissioners Panic Malawo Chilufya, Laura Mary Miti and Father Joel Komakoma, as well as members of the Secretariat led by Director General Ms Mbololwa Wamunyima, raised concerns over continued reports of alleged extra-judicial killings involving police officers.
She noted that the abolition of the death penalty had further strengthened the State’s obligation to protect the right to life, stressing that law enforcement agencies had a heightened duty to uphold this right.
The Vice-Chairperson also expressed concern about reports of torture and ill-treatment of suspects, including deaths in police custody. She disclosed that in 2025 alone, the Commission handled 51 complaints relating to alleged torture of suspects by law enforcement officers, describing the trend as worrying and in need of urgent reversal.
Further concerns were raised regarding the over-detention of suspects and the detention of child offenders by the police in contravention of the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022.
In response, Ms Munganga reaffirmed the Zambia Police Service’s commitment to upholding the Constitution, respecting human rights and ensuring accountability within the Service.
She said allegations of police misconduct were treated with seriousness and that the Service remained open to working closely with the Commission to address human rights concerns arising from the conduct of its officers.
Ms Munganga also appealed to the Commission to consider the protection of the rights of police officers, noting that officers were also entitled to human rights and safeguards in the execution of their duties.
Both institutions expressed optimism that enhanced cooperation and regular engagement would strengthen the implementation of their respective mandates and contribute to the effective protection and promotion of human rights in Zambia.
