PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has thanked United Nations member states after Zambia was elected to the UN Human Rights Council with the strongest mandate of any candidate in this year's election. In a press release issued by Clayson Hamasaka, Chief Communications Specialist at State House. Hichilema said Zambia will treat the endorsement as a crucial responsibility.

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PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has thanked United Nations member states after Zambia was elected to the UN Human Rights Council with the strongest mandate of any candidate in this year’s election.

In a press release issued by Clayson Hamasaka, Chief Communications Specialist at State House.

Hichilema said Zambia will treat the endorsement as a crucial responsibility.

“The world has sent Zambia to the Human Rights Council with the strongest endorsement it gave anyone this year. Zambia will treat that endorsement as a crucial responsibility. The measure of our membership will be what Zambians experience at home, and how faithfully we speak for Africa and the developing world in Geneva,” Hichilema said.

According to the statement, Zambia was elected by the General Assembly on 13 October with 177 of the 181 valid ballots cast — more than any other country standing this year. The President described it as “a vote of confidence from every region of the world.”

Zambia returns to the Council for the first time since 2011, State House said. The country was a founding member in 2006 and was re-elected in 2008, both terms under the late President Levy Mwanawasa.

The Presidency said the return comes two months after Zambians renewed their democratic mandate in peaceful elections, and with a rights record that includes abolition of the death penalty, repeal of the offence of defaming the President, enactment of the Access to Information Act, and an open door to the Council’s independent experts.

Zambia said it will use its seat to strengthen promotion and protection of rights at home, bring the Council closer to citizens, and give developing countries a stronger voice. Priorities include championing the rights of women, children and vulnerable groups, advancing the right to development, and pressing for a Council that builds consensus.

Hichilema thanked Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe, Permanent Representative to the UN Dr. Chola Milambo, and the campaign team.

Zambia’s three-year term begins on 1 January 2027.

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