President Hichilema meets with Human Rights Commissioners

The Human Rights Commission had a conference with President Hichilema at State House on 11th June to discuss various human rights issues which need addressing.  

The Commission’s Chairperson, Ruth Chayinda said in a statement to Hichilema, “Under your administration, which had created a governance environment based on constitutionalism, rule of law and human rights. We urge the continued vigilance against the return of lawlessness so that we can ensure that citizens rights and freedoms are protected for the benefit of what it will bring to all of us as a country.” 

She continued, “The abolition of the death penalty, Mr President, which was replaced with a life imprisonment is also among the commendable human rights milestones we have witnessed under your leadership.” 

In response, Hichilema reiterated his government’s sincere commitment to upholding the rule of law and democracy in Zambia.  

In a speech at the conference, Hichilema addressed a problem; he said, “we have a challenge in society right now, where we’re abusing affiliation by religion, by political party, by ethnic persuasion and use that as a cover for basically breaking the law.” 

In regard to the drought, Hichilema pointed to the importance of amending the 2024 budget to move resources from non-essential areas to target food shortages and supply. He said, “we have been sleeping on duty as a country. And where you sit, if you have food shortages or high cost of food you should know it begins to tamper on the rights of citizens. To basics.”  

And finally, in discussing the country’s debt restructuring deal, he said, “as a country we are putting measures to avoid someone else in future taking over the leadership of our country and sinking us back to debt. One of the measures we have taken is to legislate already, that parliament must have oversight of any debt acquisition. That law was not there.”