The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Nazila Ghanea, will visit Zambia next week to evaluate the state of religious freedom in the country.
In a statement on Saturday, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said Ghanea’s mission – slated for 31 March to 11 April – aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the state of religion or beliefs in the southern African country and propose solutions in line with international human rights standards.
“The expert will seek to get an in-depth understanding of freedom of religion or belief in the country, identify existing and emerging obstacles to the enjoyment of this right and present recommendations to overcome any such obstacles in the light of international human rights standards,” the UN agency said.
Ghanea is expected to engage with government officials, civil society organisations, religious communities, faith-based actors and academics during the 12-day visit.
She is due to travel to Lusaka, Chipata and Livingstone as part of her inquiry.
The findings from these engagements are expected to provide valuable insights into both existing and emerging challenges affecting freedom of religion or belief in Zambia.
The expert is expected to share her preliminary observations in Lusaka on 11 April.
A full report on her findings will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in March 2026.
JN/APA