UNDP supports Zambia resettlement policy

By MUBITA KATETE

THE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has urged a fundamental shift in how development and mining projects are managed in Zambia.

It warned that poorly planned resettlement is causing serious and lasting harm to communities, including forced displacement, environmental degradation, and loss of livelihoods.

This was highlighted in Mkushi during a high-level sensitisation agenda on the National Resettlement Policy 2024 and the Resettlement Management Bill 2026, organised by the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) with support from the UNDP, the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, the Office of the Vice President, the Environmental Governance Programme (EGP), the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

SIDA is the principal funder of the entire programme, providing financial support to the EGP.

The event drew strong participation from government officials, traditional leaders, district structures, mining companies, civil society organisations (CSOs), and community stakeholders.

Speaking at the meeting, UNDP Programmes Specialist Chali Selisho emphasised that while mining and infrastructure development are major drivers of revenue and employment, they must not undermine human rights and human dignity.

 “Development should improve people’s lives, not leave communities worse off. Where resettlement is unavoidable, it must be carried out in a lawful, participatory and transparent manner that protects the dignity and rights of affected people,” Ms Selisho said.

The UNDP is supporting the country through complementary programmes, including the Environmental Governance Programme supported by Sweden and the Business and Human Rights Programme supported by the Netherlands, to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure affected communities have access to justice.

Meanwhile, Office of the Vice President Director of Resettlement Division Cooper Chibomba stated that the National Resettlement Policy 2024 and the proposed Resettlement Management Bill 2026 mark a significant step towards a coherent, rights-based framework for managing resettlement in Zambia.

He explained that resettlement matters have long been handled under a fragmented legal framework, leading to inadequate compensation, delayed projects, disputes, and hardships for affected persons.

Mr Chibomba said the bill aims to provide a clear legal framework for planning, approving, monitoring, and enforcing resettlement processes.

“Resettlement should not merely focus on replacing physical structures. Our goal is to ensure that affected people are able to restore their livelihoods and, wherever possible, improve their living conditions after displacement,” Mr Chibomba said.