The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016 provides under Article 230 (2) that the Commission shall ensure that the Bill of Rights is upheld and protected.

 Further, the Commission is mandated under Article 230 (3) to:

(a) investigate and report on the observance of rights and freedoms;

(b) take necessary steps to secure appropriate redress where rights and freedoms are violated;

(c) endeavour to resolve a dispute through negotiation, mediation or conciliation;

(d) carry out research on rights and freedoms and related matters;

(e) conduct civic education on rights and freedoms;

(f) perform such other functions as prescribed.

The function of the Human Rights Commission are prescribed under the HRC Act, Chapter 48 of the Laws of Zambia.

In Sections 9 of the Human Rights Commission Act, the HRC is mandated to:

(a) investigate human rights violations;

(b) investigate any maladministration of justice;

(c) propose effective measures to prevent human rights abuse;

(d) visit prisons and places of detention or related facilities with a view to assessing and inspecting conditions of the persons held in such places and make recommendations to redress existing problems;

(e) establish a continuing programme of research, education, information and rehabilitation of victims of human rights abuse to enhance the respect for and protection of human rights; and

(f) do all such things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the functions of the Commission.