By George Zulu
THE United Nations (UN) has officially written to President Hakainde Hichilema, demanding answers over the deterioration of human rights and freedom of the press in Zambia.
Two UN special rapporteurs and a working group on various categories of human rights have jointly demanded an explanation from Hichilema and his government on the steps they have taken in responding to a preliminary report the global body released shortly after a visit to the country by one of its experts in January.
The UN’s concerns and demand for answers are contained in a long letter dated July 14, 2025 addressed to Hichilema and seen by The Mast.
The Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers specifically highlight abuses against journalists under the United Party for National Development (UPND) government.
Credit: The Mast
