THE Human Rights Commission Chairperson Pamela Sambo has announced that the Commission has successfully resolved and investigated 1,300 complaints, representing 59% of the 2,200 complaints received in 2024.

Dr Sambo says the strides made demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring that citizens’ concerns are heard and addressed.

ZANIS reports that speaking at a Press briefing in Lusaka, Dr Sambo further disclosed that the resolved cases include a range of issues, from majority being over detention, pro- longed pretrial detention and maladministration of justice.

She added that among the resolved cases, 160 complaints were referred to other institutions, such as the Police Public Complaints Commission and the Labour Commission which have direct jurisdiction over the matters.

“However, 86 cases were either not admitted or discontinued due to lack of jurisdiction, highlighting the need for continued refinement of the commission’s processes,” Dr Sambo said.

Dr Sambo further stated that the remaining cases are still undergoing investigations.

She assured that the Commission is working diligently to address outstanding cases and provide justice to those who have been wronged.

Meanwhile, Dr Sambo indicated that the Commission has been granted quasi- judicial powers under the Access to Information Act, No 24 of 2023, which empowers it to receive, hear and determine appeals against decisions of information holders.