Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe has stated that President Hakainde Hichilema’s government is committed to ensuring the country is governed by the rule of law.
Haimbe highlighted that the government repealed the criminal defamation of the president law to promote freedom of expression and opinion. He said this law had restricted citizens’ freedoms.
Haimbe made these remarks during a meeting with Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. Khan is in Zambia for a 10-day mission to assess human rights protection in the country. The government invited Khan to hold discussions with various stakeholders.
Haimbe assured Khan that she would have access to key stakeholders without obstruction during her visit. He emphasized the importance of Khan’s visit for independent feedback on Zambia’s human rights practices.
Khan, in turn, said she would meet with the government to discuss recent legislative changes and the country’s commitment to human rights. She will present her findings on the final day of her visit.
Khan expressed openness to hearing suggestions from the Zambian government on improving human rights and addressing existing challenges.
