Lusaka, June 10, 2025, ZANIS—Ministry of Justice Permanent Secretary Legal, Mwenya Bwalya, says the connection between business and human rights is fundamental and inseparable
Speaking during the official launch of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights in Lusaka today, Ms Bwalya said businesses, like governments, have a responsibility to respect, protect, and promote human rights across their value chains and the communities they affect.
“Human rights are not abstract ideals, they are the foundation of dignity, justice, and development,” she said.
Ms. Bwalya emphasized that state-owned enterprises and private companies alike must go beyond the pursuit of profit and prioritize human rights as part of their core values.
“A business that ignores human rights risks conflict, reputational damage, and systemic inequality,” she said.
The Permanent secretary disclosed that a national baseline assessment was first conducted in 2015 to review the state’s duty to protect human rights, followed by a 2019 supplementary assessment that focused on corporate accountability and access to remedies.
Ms Bwalya added that a technical working group, comprising the Ministry of Justice, Human Rights Commission, UNDP, and civil society organizations has already carried out consultations in Lusaka, Copperbelt, and Southern Provinces.
Human Rights Commission Director General, Mbulolwa Wamunyima, has also emphasized that human rights must be central to business conduct.
Ms Wamunyima highlighted that ongoing nationwide consultations aim to ensure that the National Action Plan is grounded in the lived experiences of all Zambians, especially vulnerable communities facing unsafe labor conditions and environmental degradation.
“These consultative meetings are essential to shaping an inclusive and credible plan that reflects the realities of workers, communities, and civil society,” Ms Wamunyima said.
She reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to aligning with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which outline the state’s duty to protect, corporate responsibility to respect, and the right to effective remedies.
Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Munthali, called for urgent and collective action to promote responsible business conduct.
She emphasized that sustainable development is not possible without businesses that respect human rights, protect the environment, and support peace and stability.
Ms Munthali cited recent environmental incidents in Zambia as a stark reminder of the need for greater corporate accountability, particularly in the extractive and resource-intensive sectors.
“This is more than just a document,” she said. “The National Action Plan is a practical tool to align Zambia’s legal and policy frameworks with international standards and the Sustainable Development Goals through strong partnerships across government, civil society, and the private sector.”
