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 .
“…… 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