Zambian civil society groups vocalize freedom and protection concerns including restrictive protest laws and crackdowns on activists at regional and international levels. CIVICUS provides financial and technical support to assist groups to participate in high-level human rights meetings such as the African Commission and four meetings at the UN in Geneva. Their reports raise the profile of major rights violations and pressure the government to hold its human rights commitments. 

After a reform government is elected in 2021, long sustained civil society campaigns see wins including the abolishment of the dealth penalty and the re-opening of 11 media outlets. Despite challenges still remaining, there is a sense that civil society can operate in Zambia without major restrictions.