PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has maintained that strict adherence to the rule of law will remain the hallmark of the new dawn administration.
President Hichilema said his Government was committed to upholding human rights, liberties, freedoms and will ensure there is fairness to opportunities and employment, among others.
The Head of State said this when a team from Amnesty International paid a courtesy call on him at State House in Lusaka yesterday.
He also said his administration is putting in place measures to reunite the country and improve the economy.
Addressing the delegation, the President said his government considers Amnesty International as a partner and will work together to institutionalize the changes required to better serve the citizens such as formulation of laws and regulations for effective enforcement.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema said a lot of his supporters were complaining that there are no arrests of people alleged to be perpetrators of violence and corruption.
He however said thorough investigations have to be carried out before any arrests are made.
And Amnesty International Secretary General, Agnes Callamard praised government for strides made in transforming the country.
Ms Callamard also hailed President Hichilema on his commitment to upholding human rights.
She encouraged Government to embark on constitutional reforms that will better serve the citizens’ rights and liberties.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister, Mulambo Haimbe said his ministry was working on a number of constitutional reforms to uphold human rights such as the enhancement of the bill of rights so that socio economic rights are included among others.
He said the constitutional reforms and reviews were already underway with reviews to the penal code, public order Act and criminal procedure code.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema has declared Friday a public holiday to facilitate a befitting state funeral and burial ceremony for Mr Banda.
Acting Secretary to Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa said in a statement that in view of the declaration, members of the public and the business community to observe the public holiday in a dignified manner as the nation puts to rest president Banda, a gallant freedom fighter
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