The United Nations General Assembly in New York has elected Zambia to serve on the 47-member Human Rights Council for the 2027 to 2029 term.

Zambia secured 177 votes out of 181 valid ballots cast, the highest number of votes among the 15 countries elected this year.

In the African group, Zambia led the poll, followed by Ghana with 173 votes, Nigeria with 172, and Burundi with 160.

Jordan polled 171 votes, while Brazil and the Dominican Republic shared seventh and eighth positions.

Japan secured 166 votes, while Germany ranked 13th with 163 votes.

The three-year term begins on January 1, 2027. This marks Zambia's return to the council for the first time since 2011.

Zambia was a founding member of the Human Rights Council when it was established in 2006 and was re-elected in 2008.

In a statement, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema said the country had received the strongest endorsement given to any candidate this year and would treat the mandate as a crucial responsibility.

Hichilema said Zambia would use its seat to champion the rights of women, children and other vulnerable groups, while amplifying the voices of developing countries.

He pointed to domestic reforms, including the abolition of the death penalty and the repeal of the offence of defaming the President, as evidence of Zambia's commitment to human rights.

Zambia joins several African nations that have served on the council since its establishment in 2006, including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Botswana and Malawi.

The election comes two months after Zambians voted in general elections, which Hichilema cited as evidence of the country's democratic credentials.

Zambia will formally take its seat at the council's first session of 2027.