Human Rights Commission Demands Urgent Court Action As Police Assess Security At Key Government Premises

The Human Rights Commission says it is deeply concerned about the countrywide closure of court premises on August 24, 2026, warning that it threatens access to justice and fundamental rights.

Commission Chairperson Dr. Pamela Towela Sambo said the Judiciary, as the guardian of human rights and the rule of law, must immediately announce measures to facilitate urgent and time-bound cases.

She noted that in this post-election period, litigants are seeking urgent remedies for electoral disputes and some matters are subject to constitutional, statutory or court-imposed deadlines.

Dr. Sambo said any disruption to normal judicial operations must be balanced against constitutional guarantees, including the right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time before an independent and impartial court, and the right to protection of the law under Article 18 of the Constitution.

She added that when court operations are disturbed, even temporarily, there is delay to fair trials, increased risk of arbitrary detentions, and access to remedies is effectively blocked.

The Commission has called on the Judiciary to clearly and promptly communicate the scope and expected duration of the closure, and to make alternative arrangements for essential and urgent proceedings to guarantee continued access to justice and forestall tensions.

Dr. Sambo said while the closure may be necessary to safeguard court users, no person should be subjected to prolonged detention or other prejudice solely because of the unscheduled closure.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Police Service says it is conducting security risk assessments at selected key Government premises across the country in intelligence-led and preventive operations.

Inspector General of Police Graphel C. Musamba said the exercise is aimed at safeguarding Government institutions, public officers, and members of the public accessing these premises.

The assessments are targeting premises under the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, National Prosecution Authority, Attorney General’s Chambers, and other selected Government departments and institutions.

Mr. Musamba said the operations seek to identify and address potential security vulnerabilities and prevent threats to public safety and the functioning of Government institutions.

He clarified that the exercise is not directed at any individuals or group, and is part of ongoing measures to strengthen protection at critical Government premises. The Inspector General added that the operations are being conducted professionally, lawfully, and in coordination with other law enforcement and security agencies.

Mr. Musamba urged members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel, and comply with security instructions.