THE United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan visited Zambia at the invitation of the Zambian government to conduct a 10 day assessment on issues related to the right to freedom of expression of opinion and expression.
Khan was the first rapporteur to visit the country in the last seven years
The special envoy’s visit was aimed at evaluating legal frameworks, policies and the safety of journalists.
The visit included consultations with government officials, civil society organizations, journalists and other stakeholders.
Khan arrived in the country on January 20, 2025 and her 10 days assignment ended on January, 31.
In her report after the visit, the UN rapporteur highlighted how impressed she was with Zambia’s growing media voices.
She gave Zambia a thumbs-up for tuning up its media space, saying the country is fast becoming a vibrant hub of voices with over 50 television stations and more than 100 radio stations now spread across the nation.
According to the report, the UN Special Rapporteur was left impressed by the growth and diversity of Zambia’s media landscape, which includes State-owned, private, and community broadcasters that continue to give Zambians a platform to speak and shout their truths.
Khan noted that the growth of platforms over the years is a positive step towards greater media freedom and public access to information.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, December 31, 2025
