HRC-Z is a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) established under Article 230 (1) of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016 with an overall mandate of promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. ABOUT US
The Human Rights Commission (HRC) is a National Human Rights Institution established pursuant to Article 230 of the 1991 Constitution of Zambia as amended
by Act No 18 of 1996 and Act No 2 of 2016. Article 230 of the Constitution specifically mandates the Commission to:
• investigate and report on the observance of rights and freedoms;
• take necessary steps to secure appropriate redress where rights and freedoms are violated;
• endeavour to resolve a dispute through negotiation, mediation or conciliation;
• carry out research on rights and freedoms and related matters;
• conduct civic education on rights and freedoms; and
• perform such other functions as prescribed. The function, powers, composition, funding and administrative procedures, including the employment of staff, of the Human Rights Commission are prescribed under the HRC Act, Chapter 48 of the Laws of Zambia. POWERS OF HRC
• Issue summons or orders requiring the attendance of any authority before the commission or the production of any document or record relevant to any investigations by HRC
• Question any person in respect of any subject matter under investigations by HRC
• Require any person to disclose any information within such person’s knowledge relevant to any investigations by HRC
• Recommend the punishment of any officers found by the Commission to have perpetrated an abuse of human rights
THE COMMISSION
HRC comprises seven (7) Commissioners who are appointed by the President subject to ratification by the National Assembly. The Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson are appointed from the seven Commissioners. SECRETARIAT
The secretariat is headed by a Director and assisted by a Deputy Director. DEPARTMENTS
HRC has the following departments:
• INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND TRAINING
• INVESTIGATIONS AND LEGAL SERVICES
• RESEARCH AND PLANNING
SECTIONS
The commission has the following sections:
• HUMAN RESOURCE AND ADMINISTRATION
• FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING
UNITS
The commission has the following Units:
• PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLIES UNIT
• INTERNAL AUDIT
• MONITORING AND EVALUATION
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR CHILDREN (OCC)
HRC also has set up an office to specifically promote and protect children’s rights
