Zambia Launches Bid for UN Human Rights Council Membership for 2027–2029
The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Justice, has officially launched its candidature for membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2027–2029 term.
Speaking during Zambia’s presentation to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Minister of Justice Hon. Princess Kasune, MP, affirmed that, if elected, Zambia is prepared to work with all nations to safeguard human dignity and ensure that human rights are universally upheld.
Hon. Kasune highlighted Zambia’s continued commitment to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), describing it as a vital mechanism for countries to reflect on and strengthen their human rights standards.
She noted that while the global human rights system is currently under strain, withdrawal is not the answer. “This is a time for enhanced international cooperation to address the challenges confronting the system,” she said.
The Minister urged that, rather than dismantling institutions built over decades, efforts should focus on improving areas of weakness while preserving proven mechanisms that protect human dignity.
She reaffirmed Zambia’s belief that the Human Rights Council must remain a forum for constructive dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.
Hon. Kasune also outlined Zambia’s domestic human rights achievements, including the progressive realisation of rights through the restoration of fiscal discipline in public financial management.
This, she explained, has allowed increased allocations to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), ensuring resources reach communities equitably and directly.
The Minister reiterated the Government’s dedication to advancing women’s rights and ending child marriage, stressing that protecting girls safeguards their rights to education, health, and dignity.
She highlighted Zambia’s expansion of free education up to secondary school level as a key step towards reducing poverty and building a brighter future for young people.
However, Hon. Kasune cautioned that national efforts must be supported by a fair global financial system. She noted that high borrowing costs for developing countries impose heavy debt burdens, limiting their ability to invest in health, education, and social protection, with significant implications for the full enjoyment of human rights.
