Mandate & Functions

The Commission is an independent Constitutional body established under Article 125 of the Constitution of Zambia. Its autonomy is guaranteed by Article 125(2) of the Constitution and Section 3 of the Human Rights Commission Act No. 39 of 1996. The Commission has a broad mandate to promote and protect human rights outlined in its constitutive Act.

Its functions are basically protective, promotional, educative and advisory. In order to fulfill its broad mandate, the Commission is empowered by Sections 9 and 10 of the Human Rights Commission Act No. 39 of 1996 to protect and promote human rights for all in Zambia through:

• Investigation of allegations of human rights abuses;
• Investigation of any mal administration of justice;
• Visiting prisons and other places of detention and related facilities with a view to assessing and inspecting conditions of the persons held in such places and make recommendations to redress existing problems;
• A continuing programme of research, information and education to enhance the respect for and protection of human rights: and
• Facilitating the rehabilitation of victims of human rights abuses

The Commission also possesses a monitoring and advisory function, and is empowered to propose effective measures to prevent human rights abuses as well as do all such things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the functions of the Commission.