MANSA District Commissioner Ireen Chivweta has urged the Human Rights Commission to continue public engagements on elections and human rights.

Speaking when she opened the one-Day Stakeholders Meeting on Elections and Human Rights in Zambia held at Council Rest House in Mansa District on Thursday, Ms Chivweta noted that elections are deeply connected with human rights particularly the rights to participation, expression, association, peaceful assembly and access to accurate information.

She stated that it is important that citizens are well informed, empowered and encouraged to participate meaningfully and inclusively in the democratic process.

“Through these discussions we are having today, we aim to deepen our collective understanding of our democratic rights and explore practical strategies to respond to the challenges that may arise as we seek to uphold them,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission Manager for Human Rights and Advocacy, Simon Mulumbi, disclosed that the Human Rights Commission is mandated to address all matters of human rights at all levels in the country.

Mr Mulumbi stated that at the moment, the Commission is conducting countrywide sensitisation meetings on human rights and elections which are scheduled for 2026.

“The Commission is aware that most of the people are at least aware of some of the human rights and it is why this platform is important for the stakeholders to come and have conversations about human rights and elections,” he said.

Mr Mulumbi, therefore, stressed that the Human Rights Commission is a non-partisan institution and accommodates everyone.

“Together we can develop a human rights culture in Zambia and protect everybody and we are hoping that through this process, we shall have a conducive environment for holding elections where all people are free to participate,” he said.