Tattered Image of the Human Rights Commission: Protecting Human Rights or Abuses?
By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba
Human rights practices in Zambia have drawn increasing concern over the past three years, with institutions such as the United Nations Human Rights Council, USA Country Reports on Zambia, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and others noting significant deterioration. Locally, the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, Chapter One Foundation, and a coalition of 13 other NGOs have raised the alarm about what they describe as rising tyranny and dictatorship. However, contrary to these widespread concerns, the spokesperson of Zambia’s Human Rights Commission (HRC), Mweelwa Muleya, claims the country’s human rights record has improved.
This stark contradiction raises questions about the credibility and impartiality of the HRC. Muleya, once vocal in denouncing alleged human rights abuses under the Patriotic Front (PF) administration, has now seemingly transformed into an apologist for the current United Party for National Development (UPND) government. His recent remarks reflect a pattern of excuses and victim-blaming that undermine the commission’s mandate to defend the rights of all Zambians, regardless of the ruling party.
Equally troubling is the presence of Laura Miti, an HRC Commissioner who frequently ridicules human rights victims and publicly lauds President Hakainde Hichilema. This dynamic within the HRC, where partisan loyalties appear to overshadow a commitment to justice, has eroded public trust in the institution.
The appointment of Mbololwa Wamunyima as the new Director General of the HRC presents an opportunity for much-needed reform. Wamunyima, formerly a Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, faces the daunting task of rehabilitating the HRC’s battered reputation. Restoring public confidence will require not only structural changes but also a renewed commitment to impartiality and the defense of human rights without fear or favor.
The HRC must rise above political affiliations and return to its core mission: protecting the fundamental rights of every Zambian. Anything less will solidify its image as a partisan institution, incapable of addressing the worsening human rights situation in the country.
Human rights have never been worse than under PF. Mr. Mwamba, if you lived in Zambia under PF you would have known how dangerous it was to live under PF. Since 2021, no one is reported to have died because of disagreeing with PF. PF must die for the safety of the people.
Human Rights Commission has not helped the marginalised in Zambia. When the UN human rights wing condemned the UPND government on dwindling governance matters. Our local Commissioner the proposed defender of the weak, Lola Mitti, sideded with government in condemning the latest UN report on abuses, labeling it as fake news. The warped image of the HRC must be properly cleansed to inspire confidence.
It’s time we stopped praise singing and stand up for our country and restore our once beautiful country we had .let’s all rise above politics,people are living in fear now scared to voice out for fear of arrest .
@Angoni Yet you were quiet under PF? Or is it tribal prejudice that makes you say this?
@Amdone. You are very right. The uproar on human rights abuse is instigated by opposition politican thinking they are above the law. We all have rights, how they are excerised is what matters. When rights conflict with the law, you get arrested.
Most Zambian have taken abuse and law breaking as a licence. When they are arrested ati persecution? Do you understand the law? Ignorance is not an excuse.
“…… with institutions such as the United Nations Human Rights Council, USA Country Reports on Zambia, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and others noting significant deterioration….”
Stop exaggerating mwamba…….
If there was any truth in what you are blabbering,……….
Zambia was going be under sanctions, or at least not be getting any financial help from international financial institutions………
The international community see the current situation you are referring to as a clean up of criminals from the PF………..
FWD2031
The problem with our leaders is that they concentrate too much on protecting their presidency instead of protecting the people. Because of lies which they have failed to turn into the truth, they use all tacts to ensure people don’t protest by arresting dissenting voices. One thing is for sure no matter how much you try entrench yourself your day to leave office will come.
Just work and accept criticism. People will judge.
Just campaign peacefully, and no one will arrest you ……..
Spreading lies likely to cause a security breakdown in the country or insulting or falsely accusing people are all reprimandable
Offences………
And when you go about licking your electoral defeat wounds, which will be a constant feature……….
Do it without endangering the nation
FWD2031
When you were in power the HRC was always right and when you are in opposition the HRC is always wrong.
I wonder how Edgar Lungu selected Mwamba to be a Diplomat. He has no brain! But then l remember he was appointed by Lungu, another warped brain
Well said my brother a real waste of white and gray matter
Ka Muamba wena, it’s you whose image is in tatters! You should be ashamed to be such a tribally bigoted s*x pest! Foesek, you are never coming back to office again ka Kasai tombolilo iwe.
Kasai tombolilo, I have not heard the word tombolilo in decades, remind me what it means again
We respect your opinion sir. Otherwise we all have different views on the abuse in question.
Playing innocence and yet on that fateful day, Chiluba said he had only drunk water from the fridge while he was hosting MMD MPs. But today we went to be champions on human rights.
Exactly, Emmanuel Mwamba, champion of human rights, please explain to us how Frederick Chiluba died
Zambians are facing a challenging reality today. We voted for change, yet somehow, we’ve ended up with a system that is even worse than what we replaced. It’s time to put aside the distractions of most politicians and prioritize the rule of law. Our country deserves a consistent standard and institutions that ensures every individual is treated fairly and justly.
You are saying UPND is worse that what you replaced? Are UPND cadres beating you in the markets? Have leaders of your tribal parties been arrested 14 times? Has UPND looted the country? Has UPND put the country in an unpayable debt of US $32 billion? You tribalists need to shut up