The United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion, Ms. Irene Khan has called on the National Assembly of Zambia to support and promote the strengthening of freedom of opinion and expression in Zambia. 

Ms. Khan said on Wednesday 29th January,  2025 at Parliament Building when she paid a courtesy call on the First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Hon. Malungo Chisangano as part of her continued interaction with various stakeholders on her visit to Zambia at the invitation of the government.

Ms. Khan said that among all human rights, freedom of opinion and expression was one of the most important as it was vital for democracy and development. 

Ms. Khan said that Parliament plays an important role in representing citizens and in ensuring adequate scrutiny of the government and the application of laws as there was a symbiotic relationship between Parliament that seeks to protect freedom of expression and seeks to protect political participation.

And Hon. Chisangano welcomed Ms. Khan and reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to upholding free speech, media freedom, and human rights protections. She highlighted the role of the National Assembly in preserving these freedoms within the country’s legal framework.

"Worth noting is that through its legislative function, the National Assembly of Zambia enacted the Constitution, which guarantees certain freedoms under the Bill of Rights, including the freedom of expression as provided in Article 20," Hon. Chisangano stated.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Opinion and Expression, visited Zambia’s Parliament as part of her official mission to assess the state of freedom of expression in Zambia.

Later Ms. Khan also met with Members of Parliament on the Media, Information and, Communication Technologies Committee as well as the Chairperson of the Committee on Legal Affairs, Human Rights. 

She commended Zambia’s progress in strengthening democratic institutions and emphasized the importance of ensuring a free and open civic space.

Ms. Khan assured the Members of the United Nation’s continued support in enhancing Zambia’s legal framework, improving protections for media professionals, and fostering an environment where diverse opinions can be freely expressed.

Ms. Khan is in the country at the invitation of the Zambian government, which seeks an independent review of the nation’s progress in upholding fundamental freedoms. Her engagements have involved consultations with key stakeholders including; government,opposition political parties, civil society organizations and media institutions among others.