08/09/2025 – “Tangible acts of leadership and responsibility” are what United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner, Volker Türk, ascribed to Zambia’s recent increased cooperation with the Human Rights Council special procedures mechanism. He made these remarks during his oral update at the opening of the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Oral updates of the High Commissioner give a global synopsis of the human rights situation or temperature globally. Violations of human rights in any country threaten global peace and security and undermine the achievement of just, fair and inclusive societies. These, he stated, can only be achieved in conditions of peace underpinned by the full realisation of human rights everywhere. ”Human rights concern us all,” he said. ”This is because the United Nations Charter on Human Rights gave birth to a new geo-political era.”
He gave a grim overview of deepening chasms in the long and well established international legal order. The High Commissioner reported a spiralling list of devastating human rights violations, tensions and escalating conflicts fuelled by weakening global commitments and, particularly, an increasing disregard of international rules of war. He also voiced concern over high maternal mortality rates, the continued use of the death penalty, and the spread of hate speech to fuel tensions. While affirming the importance of freedom of expression, he stressed that it does not extend to propaganda or incitement to hatred.
In the midst of this gloomy global human rights landscape, the High Commissioner cited Zambia among a short list of countries that have demonstrated commendable and tangible commitment towards the promotion and protection of human rights through their cooperation with special rapporteurs. He emphasized that ”such steps are not symbolic but reflect meaningful commitment to human rights.” He underscored the central role of human rights in building peaceful and progressive societies.
He also highlighted the importance of transparent elections which he termed as a litmus of the state of human rights in a country. Other areas reflected upon included the necessity of sustaining and advancing human rights education to support resilient, rights-respecting societies, and a just transition from fossil fuels.
Issued by: The Permanent Mission of Zambia in Geneva