Livingstone: January 24,

2025 UN Special Rapporteur for freedom of expression and opinion, Irene Khan has disclosed that there has been no official invitation from the Zambian government since 2015 for a fact-finding mission on human rights, freedom of expression, media freedoms and issues that affects the marginalised in society.

Ms Khan said that the UN special rapporteur would only visit a specific country upon invitation by the host nation to get the views of its citizens on human rights issues that may be deemed to infringe upon their democratic rights in a given country.

She said this in the tourist capital, Livingstone, southern province during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in the council chamber Hall.

Ms Khan has advised the stakeholders drawn from all the 15 districts in the province to forget  the past dark picture and look for a brighter future that promotes human rights, media freedoms, freedom of expression and opinion for a just , free and fair society anchored on democratic values and justice for all regardless of their political affiliations.

‘’ There is need for partnership between the citizens and its government. Partnership between the government and the international community in promoting human rights, freedoms of expression and opinion in order to have a free and just society for all, ‘’ she said.

She has expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema and the new dawn government for showing its political will by giving her access to get insights on the freedom of expression and opinion in the country from citizens.

And speaking at the same occasion, Southern Province permanent Secretary Dr Namani Monze has thanked the UN Special rapporteur, Ms Khan for honouring the invitation extended to her by HE President Hakainde Hichilema to establish own findings on the human rights situation in the country.

‘’ Your visit to Zambia and southern province in particular shows your commitment towards the promotion of human rights and freedoms of expression and opinion in the world as declared in the United Nations Charter on human rights for which Zambia is signatory to,’’ he said.

Ms Khan is in the country on a fact- finding mission on the freedom of human rights, freedom of expression and opinion to establish a country report.

Issued by: Wisdom Himanteka

Principal Public Relations Officer – Southern Province