UPND reject a UN human rights report

UPND has firmly rejected a recent report from United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan, which expressed worries about Zambia’s human rights situation, including freedom of expression, digital rights, and the civic space.

During a media briefing in Lusaka today, UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe called the report “one-sided, misdirected, lacking merit and seriousness,” and stated that the findings do not accurately represent the reality in Zambia.

“From a UPND political perspective, this report should not be taken seriously. It includes findings that may be true or false, but they have been published anyway,” Mr. Simuuwe explained.

Mr. Simuuwe defended Zambia’s current legal framework, especially cyber laws, claiming that these laws meet international standards for digital rights and data protection.

He pointed out the irony that the UN, which supports cyber law and human rights, would seem to criticize Zambia for enforcing laws that are in line with global best practices.

“The United Nations is a leading institution for cyber laws and human rights. This so-called report cannot be seen as supporting the abuse of these laws. Zambia stands on solid legal ground and is dedicated to protecting its sovereignty,” he added.

Mr. Simuuwe also mentioned that international trust in Zambia’s human rights progress has been increasing, noting the return of funding from the European Union and the United Kingdom as clear signs of the country’s democratic advancement.

He raised concerns about the report’s failure to mention past human rights violations under the previous Patriotic Front (PF) government, including cases of extra-judicial killings.

“We are questioning who wrote this report and what their intentions are. It ignores documented abuses from the PF era, which raises doubts about its neutrality,” he said.

Mr. Simuuwe stressed that Zambia, like many other countries, has laws that make sedition and hate speech illegal, o