HRC urges the public to report human rights violations
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Local NewsThe Human Rights Commission (HRC) Chairperson Pamela Sambo has urged members of the public to report alleged human rights violations to the Commission through its toll-free line 8181, following a review of 100 alleged human rights violation cases. Dr Sambo says the Commission…
The Human Rights Commission (HRC) Chairperson Pamela Sambo has urged members of the public to report alleged human rights violations to the Commission through its toll-free line 8181, following a review of 100 alleged human rights violation cases.
Dr Sambo says the Commission will continue pursuing remedies for individuals whose rights are allegedly violated and follow up on outstanding cases.
“The Commission will continue to pursue remedies in individual cases, follow up on outstanding matters and use findings to guide institutional engagement, monitoring and public reporting,” she said.
She was speaking during a press conference on the outcome of the Commission’s third cases review meeting held from October 27 to 28, 2026, at Sarovar Hotel.
Dr Sambo said the Commission has reviewed 100 alleged human rights violation cases involving law enforcement agencies, justice sector institutions and other public and private entities, highlighting that 66 had been resolved while 34 remained under active consideration.
Dr Sambo, however, has acknowledged that the review revealed persistent concerns over prolonged detention and delays in the administration of justice, with 83 cases relating to protection of the law and personal liberty.
Dr Sambo cited a case in which three people were detained at Shang’ombo Central Police for approximately one year and seven months before their first court appearance.
“The three remained in custody for a further two months and eight days after a court ordered their release because the prosecution had failed to serve the order on the detention facility,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Commission has identified barriers to accessing police bond citing the case of a convicted person who waited approximately four years for sentencing after committal to the High Court.
Dr Sambo has called on the Zambia Police Service to ensure that bond conditions do not unnecessarily restrict the rights of suspects.
She has also raised concern over the treatment of children in conflict with the law, citing eight cases allegedly handled contrary to the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022.
She cited the case of a 14-year-old child in Choma who was detained for 54 days on allegations of theft, while two 17-year-olds in Namwala were held for 16 and 58 days, respectively.
Dr Sambo has called for sustained corrective action by institutions to address recurring human rights concerns.
She has urged members of the public to report alleged violations to the Commission through its toll-free line, 8181.
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