The United Nations Human Rights Office has expressed concern over the arrests and detention of opposition members in Zambia before and after the August 13 general election.

High Commissioner Volker Türk urged the authorities to stop arbitrarily detaining people and uphold the due process rights of all those being held.

The rights chief noted that all arrests and court proceedings must be fully consistent with international human rights standards and domestic law in Zambia.

Türk demanded that detainees be notified, at the time of their arrest, of the reasons for their arrest and informed of any charges against them.

The UN official urged the government to allow the detainees to have legal representation, speak with their families, be treated humanely and be arraigned promptly.

“They must also have access to effective remedies for any violations of their rights,” the Austrian-born lawyer said in a statement on Wednesday.

Türk reminded Zambia to uphold respect for human rights and ensure that post-election grievances are addressed peacefully and in accordance with international human rights law.