13 Jun 2017

Botswana’s record on human rights is impressive when compared to other nations globally, says Human Rights Watch deputy executive director, Mr Bruno Ugarte.

Mr Ugarte, who had paid a courtesy call on the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi on June 13, said Botswana as a member of the Human Rights Council, has continued to take strong positions internationally on human rights issues.  

He noted that Human Rights Watch, a non-governmental organisation which does research in over 90 countries, has not done any research yet in Botswana, but was impressed by the country’s boldness on international issues that threated human rights.

Mr Ugarte also commended Botswana for exercising transparency in its governance structures, saying it was the epitome of democracy.

He said Botswana continued to show regard for the rule of law which created a conducive environment for human rights to flourish.

Furthermore, Mr Ugarte said Botswana continued to take a leading role on human rights issues, citing the country’s recent position on the International Criminal Court (ICC).

He said the position showed its obligations towards justice.

He added that issues of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender as well as the rights of indigenous people were dealt with in a transparent manner.

He said the country has a good human rights track record and had not been featured negatively in Human Watch reports.

He added that they came to propose an open working relationship with government and stakeholders such as the Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organisations.

“We want to work in tandem with local non-governmental organisations,” he said.

For her part, Dr Venson-Moitoi said Human Rights Watch visit would benefit Botswana in the sense that it was an international organisation that would give the country advise on human rights issues.

She noted that the organisation had always cautioned whenever there was a deviation on human rights.

She said Botswana’s recent accession to the ‘Save schools Declaration’ had raised Human Rights Watch interest, and that it was the reason why they were in Botswana.

She said the declaration, which was still under wraps, states that should there be any war in the country, schools should not be used by the military. ENDS