15 Jun 2014

Botswana remains steadfast to the operationalisation of the Global Network of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) – a concept that emphasises that states must protect their populations from mass atrocity, crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and ethnic cleansing.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Phandu Skelemani said Botswana’s commitment to protection and promotion of human rights, respect for rule of law, democracy and good governance remained a national priority and that this had resonated well with R2Ps ideal to protect humanity and improve the governance of society.

Officiating at the fourth meeting of Global Network of R2P Focal Points and capacity building in Gaborone on June 12 he said it, was in this regard that Botswana welcomed all efforts aimed at deepening and broadening the understanding of R2P and enhancing the commitment of states.

He said the presence of participants was essential and timely given the unprecedented levels of conflict and humanitarian crisis across the globe and particularly Africa.

He further said the meeting afforded the participants an opportunity to exchange views and best practices that would guide individual and collective efforts to implement R2P.

Minister Skelemani said Botswana endevours its part by contributing to promotion of R2P particularly in the area of prevention as its integral part.

“We do so through active participation at the UN General Assembly, US Security Council debates, human rights councils and groups of friends of R2P whenever they are convened,” he said.

Executive director, Global Centre for the R2P, Dr Simon Adams said as this year marked the 20th anniversary of genocide in Rwanda, participants should rededicate themselves to embedding the prevention of mass atrocities and promotion of responsibility to protect into the DNA of their governments. He said the responsibility to protect was the practical nexus with sovereignty and responsibility intersect.

Dr Adams said whenever people are targeted for religion, lack of religion, ethnicity, race sexual orientation or political alliances; this was not only a deadly echo of the past, but the disturbing quotient of the future. Special advisor to the United Nations secretary-general on the responsibility to protect, Dr Jennifer Welsh said the responsibility to protect begins with the states in which the populations live in.

She said states should support one another mutually and committed with the principle to protect. She said states should work in partnership with regional and international organisations to enhance knowledge and share the best practices.

Dr Welsh said while the secretary general was deeply committed on the principle of the responsibility to protect, it has also continued to articulate the principle and encouraged its implementation. She said the second general assembly will be held in September. ENDS