President Hakainde Hichilema has warned that there shall be no violation of national laws, rights, and reputations of others through digital technology with impunity. He has expressed concern with the negative use of social media currently being experienced in the country, a situation that infringes on other people’s rights. Mr Hichilema says perpetrators will be punished in accordance with existing laws, and this does not amount to a shrinkage of the democratic space.President Hichilema has reiterated government’ commitment towards protecting the rights and liberties of all citizens, including ensuring that the digital space is safe for everyone. The head of State said this in a speech read on his behalf by Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba during the commemoration of this year’s Human Rights Day under the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now” in Lusaka. “Let human rights be a catalyst for peace, unity, and development, rather than a tool for creating hatred, disunity, and causing distress to others. “President Hichilema stressed. He urged Zambians to view the advent of technology, particularly the digital space, as an opportunity for the promotion and protection of human rights.The President further announced that the government has launched an Artificial Intelligence (A. I) Strategy for innovation, entrepreneurship, and enhanced public service delivery.He has since encouraged all Zambians , especially the youth and social media platform influencers, to take keen interest in the A. I Strategy and use the digital space to promote human rights for sustainable national development. The Human Rights Commission has hailed the government for scaling up various Social Protection Programs aimed at protecting the livelihoods of the vulnerable such as persons living with disabilities and the aged from the negative effects of Climate Change.Speaking at the same event, Chairperson of the Commission Towela Sambo commended President Hakainde Hichilema for declaring the drought situation in Zambia as a national disaster. She added that this enables government to mobilise domestic and external resources for the vulnerable, who were disproportionately affected by the climate change – induced drought thereby safeguarding their human rights. Ms Sambo said positive interventions such as increasing access to food, social cash transfer, distribution of farming inputs, free education as well as mass employment, among others. “The Commission takes the opportunity to urge government to scale up the implementation of the wide range of social protection programs  such as the social cash transfer, cash for work, emergency cash transfer and the support to irrigation to mitigate the negative effects of Climate Change on human rights. ” She appealed. Ms Sambo also urged government to remain steadfast in its endeavor to maintain national security, and public order as well as protect the rights of citizens. Meanwhile both the European Union and United Nations have commended the Zambian government for maintaining peace and stability which are vital for citizens to enjoy their human rights. UN Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali said her Organisation values the democracy, peace and stability prevailing in Zambia She has since urged government and other political players in the country to prioritise the interest of Zambians in order to ensure that they promote an environment where human rights can be enjoyed. And Charge de Affairs for the EU Delegation to Zambia and COMESA Petra Gasparova pledged her Organisations continued support towards protection of human rights in Zambia.