Human Rights and Governance

...CSOs Urge Responsible Freedom of Expression, Police Reforms, and Enhanced Anti-Corruption Measures

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka. Zambia – (25-01-2025) - Civil society organizations (CSOs) have called for Zambians to prioritize national unity, responsible freedom of expression, and good governance to strengthen democracy and foster national development.

In a media briefing, Luckson Lungu, representing various CSOs, addressed key concerns and offered recommendations on human rights, police reforms, and combating corruption.

Lungu praised Zambia’s progress in advancing human rights, particularly the expansion of freedom of expression across both public and digital spaces, including platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp.

He commended legislative achievements under the current administration, including the repeal of criminal defamation of the president, the enactment of the Access to Information Act, and the abolition of the death penalty.

“These developments highlight the government’s commitment to human rights and alignment with international conventions,” Lungu said.

However, Lungu expressed concern over the misuse of freedom of expression on social media, where hate speech and insults have become prevalent.

He urged political, religious, and civil society leaders to denounce such behavior and emphasized the importance of morality and national unity, as outlined in Article 8 of the Zambian Constitution.

Regarding police reforms, Lungu acknowledged the Zambia Police Service’s essential role in maintaining law and order but stressed the importance of due process.

He called for thorough investigations before arrests and advocated for the prompt release of suspects eligible for police bond or bail.

“Unjust detentions undermine justice and violate human rights. The police must act professionally and impartially, especially with the 2026 general elections approaching,” he said.

Lungu further emphasized the importance of public trust, stating, “The Zambia Police Service must uphold public trust by ensuring safety and preventing arbitrary arrests.

The judiciary must also expedite justice delivery, as delays erode public confidence.”

On corruption, Lungu described it as a significant barrier to Zambia’s development.

While acknowledging the government’s anti-corruption efforts, he called for greater focus on both past and present cases and stressed the need for impartiality.

“A zero-tolerance policy on corruption is crucial. Those under investigation must respect the rule of law and avoid politicizing corruption proceedings.

The President deserves commendation for appointing key leadership to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), addressing prior concerns,” Lungu noted.

He also pointed out Zambia’s modest improvement on the Corruption Perceptions Index, with its score rising from 33 to 36. However, he stressed the need for continued efforts to achieve sustained progress.

“Law enforcement agencies must safeguard national resources with integrity,” Lungu added.

In reference to the controversial Public Order Act, Lungu welcomed ongoing consultations for its amendment and urged the government to expedite the process of replacing it with a more progressive Public Gatherings Act.

“The new legislation must strike a balance between protecting citizens' rights and maintaining public order. This is especially crucial as Zambia heads toward the 2026 elections,” he explained.

Lungu also commended the government for inviting the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights to Zambia.

He noted that the visit underscored the country’s commitment to transparency and human rights, and the findings could offer valuable insights to address gaps and strengthen democracy.

In his concluding remarks, Lungu emphasized the need for collective responsibility among Zambians.

“All citizens must act responsibly, respect the laws, and support government institutions. Unity and love are essential for building a peaceful, corruption-free, and prosperous Zambia.”

The CSOs reaffirmed their dedication to advocating for human rights, promoting good governance, and holding stakeholders accountable.

They called on all Zambians to embrace patriotism and collaborate to strengthen democracy ahead of the 2026 elections.