Under the Zambia project, ECES is proud to support the Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC) in the implementation of a community sensitisation campaign dedicated to promoting human rights, conflict prevention, civic engagement, and electoral peace ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
The campaign is being conducted across the districts of Siavonga, Chirundu, Mumbwa, and Luangwa, with activities designed to engage communities directly through dialogue sessions, awareness-raising initiatives, and participatory discussions on democratic values and peaceful coexistence.
Last week, the initiative officially commenced in Siavonga and Chirundu, bringing together local communities, stakeholders, and representatives to discuss the importance of protecting human rights and fostering peaceful participation throughout the electoral cycle. Activities then continued in Mumbwa and Luangwa from Thursday onwards, expanding outreach efforts and strengthening local engagement on issues related to conflict prevention and electoral integrity.
The sensitisation campaign aims to increase public awareness of human rights and electoral processes, while also strengthening community-based early warning and response mechanisms capable of identifying and addressing tensions before they escalate into conflict. Through these engagements, participants are encouraged to play an active role in promoting dialogue, mutual understanding, and non-violence within their communities.
The initiative also contributes to the broader institutional efforts of the Human Rights Commission of Zambia to strengthen reporting, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms related to human rights protection and electoral processes. In line with ongoing reforms and digitalisation efforts, the HRC is working towards more accessible, responsive, and citizen-centred systems that improve the management of complaints, incident reporting, and information sharing across the country.
By working closely with local communities and stakeholders, ECES and the HRC reaffirm their shared commitment to supporting inclusive democratic processes and empowering citizens to become active actors in safeguarding peace, democratic integrity, and respect for fundamental rights in Zambia.
