Partners

The Human Rights Commission is partnering with a number of public institutions and civil society organizations in promoting and protecting human rights in Zambia. Among these are:

The Judiciary, as the primary institution charged with the protection of human rights, enforces the National Bill of Rights which is entrenched in the Constitution.

The National Assembly, which consists of elected and nominated Members of Parliament, carries out a wide range of important public responsibilities that enhance democratic governance in Zambia. These responsibilities include making laws (Acts of Parliament), approving proposals for taxation and public expenditure, and keeping the work of the Government under scrutiny and review.

Zambia Police Service is charged with the responsibility to inter alia protect life and property. The Police also has a Victim Support Unit in almost all parts of the country which deals with violations of human rights, especially of women and children.

The Police Public Complaints Authority, established in 2002, addresses public complaints against police misconduct in order to protect the rights of citizens.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has an important role to ensure that human rights are protected and respected in the criminal justice system by making sure that enforcement officers do not abuse their arrest, detention and prosecutorial powers, and those violating human rights are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Commission for Investigations is empowered to investigate complaints of mal-administrative actions by pubic authorities brought to its attention. It can also recommend corrective action to the affected agencies and obtain redress for a deserving complainant.

Zambia Civic Education Association is a child rights focused organization which promotes and protects children’s rights. The organization undertakes community and educational based activities to campaign for the rights of the child in Zambia.

Children in Need Network is a national network of NGOs, community and faith based organisations, working to improve the welfare of children and protect their rights.

Young Women Christian Association promotes health, education, human rights and economic empowerment for women, youth and children. The organization carries out advocacy and sensitization; provides therapeutic services through drop in centres, such as counseling, paralegal advice and referrals to strategic partners; and offers temporal protective shelter for women and children fleeing from abusive environments.

Women in Law and Development in Africa promotes the human rights of women and children through research, advocacy, legal and networking.