HH Lobbies Support for UN Council Seat

By Gift Inambao President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has addressed a reception for United Nations member states in New York as Zambia intensified its campaign for election to the United Nations Human Rights Council. In a virtual address, President HICHILEMA said Zambia’s candidature is anchored on its commitment to human rights, democracy, the rule of law, civic participation, gender equality and access to justice. The President said Zambia views human rights as a shared responsibility that can best be advanced through dialogue, cooperation and respect for different national circumstances. He said that, if elected, Zambia will work with member states to strengthen democratic institutions, accountable governance and access to justice, while promoting the rights of women, children, young people, persons with disabilities, older persons and other vulnerable groups. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister MULAMBO HAIMBE said Zambia is seeking an opportunity to share the experiences and aspirations of its people, the Southern African region and developing countries directly within the UN Human Rights Council. And Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation ETAMBUYU ANAMELA GUNDERSEN said Zambia’s candidature reflects the country’s commitment to multilateralism, democracy, the rule of law, dialogue and international cooperation. Earlier, Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York CHOLA MILAMBO said peace, development and human rights remain central to Zambia’s engagement with the United Nations. Meanwhile, Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva EUNICE LUAMBIA thanked stakeholders for supporting Zambia’s candidature for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council.