The United Nations Human Rights Office has condemned the arrest and detention of opposition members in Zambia before and after the country’s August 13 general election, urging authorities to uphold human rights and due process.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed concern over reports of arrests and detentions, calling on Zambian authorities to stop the arbitrary detention of people and respect the rights of all those being held.
Türk stressed that all arrests and court proceedings must comply fully with international human rights standards and Zambian domestic law.
He said detainees must be informed of the reasons for their arrest at the time they are taken into custody and promptly told of any charges against them.
The UN human rights chief also urged the Zambian government to ensure that detainees have access to legal representation, are allowed to communicate with their families and are treated humanely while in custody.
He further called for detainees to be brought before a court promptly and given access to effective remedies where their rights have been violated.
“Respect for human rights must be upheld, and post-election grievances must be addressed peacefully and in accordance with international human rights law,” Türk said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The UN Human Rights Office said adherence to due process and fundamental rights remains essential to maintaining public confidence and preventing tensions from escalating following the election.
Türk therefore urged the Zambian authorities to ensure that the handling of opposition members and any post-election disputes remains consistent with the country’s legal obligations and international human rights standards.
