Complaints handling constitutes a large part of the work that we do. Our complaints handling mechanism allows the Commission to receive complaints of human rights violated or threatened from an aggrieved person, a person acting on behalf of an aggrieved person or group of persons, or an association acting in the interest of its members. The Commission also has powers to investigate human rights abuses on its own initiative.

On receipt of a complaint, the Commission carries out preliminary investigations to assess whether it constitutes a case of human rights violation or a threat to a human right and falls within its jurisdiction. The complainant is advised as to whether the case is admissible. On matters where the Commission has no jurisdiction, the cases are referred to appropriate institutions that can effectively deal with them. It should be noted, however, that the enabling law does not allow the Commission to deal with matters pending in court or complaints that are submitted more than two years after knowing of a violation.

Unless the investigation is in public interest, complainants are allowed to withdraw complaints provided that the Commission accepts to discontinue the matter. The Commission may also discontinue investigations if a complaint lacks evidence or is pending in court, and accordingly the complainant is informed of the decision.

If your rights are violated or about to be violated, report in person or by writing to the Human Rights Commission at any of its offices located in Lusaka, Ndola, Livingstone, Chipata, Mongu and Kasama.

You can now submit your complaint online. Click here to submit a complaint.