"President Hakainde Hichilema has expressed gratitude to United Nations member states for electing Zambia to the UN Human Rights Council with 177 votes. He described the election as a strong endorsement of the nation's commitment to human rights and democratic reforms."
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has thanked United Nations member states for electing Zambia to the UN Human Rights Council with 177 votes.
This is the highest number received by any candidate in this year’s election.
Zambia was elected by the UN General Assembly on October 13, 2026, securing 177 of the 181 valid ballots cast.
The President has described the election as a strong endorsement of the country’s commitment to human rights.
President HICHILEMA says the result places a significant responsibility on Zambia to uphold human rights principles both locally and internationally.
He says the world has sent Zambia to the Human Rights Council with the strongest endorsement it gave anyone this year.
President HICHILEMA says Zambia will treat the endorsement as a crucial responsibility.
The President adds that the success of Zambia’s membership would be measured by the experiences of citizens at home and the country’s ability to represent Africa .
President HICHILEMA has highlighted several human rights-related reforms undertaken by Zambia, including the abolition of the death penalty, the repeal of the offence of defaming the President.
He says Zambia would use its three-year membership to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights domestically, bring the Council’s work closer to ordinary citizens and amplify the voices of developing countries.
President HICHILEMA says the country also intends to champion the rights of women, children and other vulnerable groups.
President HICHILEMA has acknowledged the role played by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation MULAMBO HAIMBE, Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr CHOLA MILAMBO, and the wider team involved in the campaign.
Zambia’s three-year term on the UN Human Rights Council is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027.
Zambia returns to the Human Rights Council for the first time since 2011, having previously served as a founding member following the Council’s establishment in 2006.
The country was re-elected in 2008, during the presidency of the late LEVY MWANAWASA.
The election comes two months after Zambians renewed their democratic mandate through peaceful elections.
This is contained in a statement issued by State House Chief Communications Specialist CLAYSON HAMASAKA
Originally published by ZNBC News
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