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 District, Central Province, 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 (NORAD), and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
SIDA is the principal funder of the entire programme, providing financial support to the Environmental Governance Programme (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.
She noted that development-induced displacement should always be a last resort, only pursued when all alternatives have been exhausted.
Selisho stressed that where resettlement is unavoidable, it must be lawful, participatory, transparent, and non-discriminatory, with fair compensation and livelihood restoration.
She added that compensation must be adequate and paid before displacement occurs, and communities must be given mechanisms to ask questions and seek remedy.
The UNDP is supporting Zambia 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.
Selisho also acknowledged the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) for its role in advancing environmental justice and ensuring public participation in the development process.
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.
Chibomba said the bill aims to provide a clear legal framework for planning, approving, monitoring, and enforcing resettlement processes.
He noted that no project involving displacement should proceed without proper assessment, a resettlement action plan, and clear arrangements for compensation, livelihood restoration, public participation, and grievance redress.
He stressed that resettlement should not simply replace physical structures but must restore and, where possible, improve the lives of affected persons.
Special attention, he added, must be given to women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, who bear the greatest burden when resettlement is poorly managed.
Chibomba urged civil society, traditional leaders, local authorities, mining companies, and communities to engage constructively on the bill, saying its success depends on broad input and accountability.
He stated that justice, fairness, and respect for human dignity should not be sacrificed for national progress.
This is contained in a statement issued by the CEJ Communications Unit.
