Zambia seeks three-year term on UN Human Rights Council

Zambia has intensified its campaign for election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027 to 2029 term, with President Hakainde Hichilema and senior government officials seeking support ahead of next month's vote.

The election is scheduled for October 13, 2026, at the UN headquarters in New York.

In a video address to UN member states at a reception organised to lobby support for Zambia's candidature, President Hichilema reaffirmed the country's commitment to promoting and safeguarding human rights internationally.

The President said Zambia considers democracy, good governance, the rule of law and human rights essential to sustainable development and lasting peace.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe, who is leading Zambia's delegation to the UN General Assembly, said the country's bid was based on the belief that the Human Rights Council remains central to the global promotion and protection of human rights.

Mr Haimbe said Zambia viewed membership as an opportunity to strengthen human rights at home while contributing to the council's work internationally.

He said Zambia also wanted to bring the council closer to citizens and ensure that the concerns of developing countries and the region received greater attention.

The minister called on UN member states to support Zambia's candidature, saying the country intended to contribute constructively to the council's work.

Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen also reaffirmed Zambia's commitment to multilateralism, democracy and the rule of law.

Zambia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Chola Milambo, said the UN's three pillars of peace and security, development, and human rights were central to Zambia's identity.

Zambia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Eunice Luambia, thanked stakeholders for their engagement and support for the country's candidature.

The campaign comes as Zambia seeks a place on the 47-member Human Rights Council, the UN body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world.

The election will determine which countries serve on the council during the 2027 to 2029 term.