15 Nov 2017

A scholar with Okavango Research Institute (ORI) in Maun, Professor Joseph Mbaiwa has encouraged human rights pressure groups to challenge issues that affect some human rights aspects with caution.

Prof Mbaiwa was speaking at a three-day Human Rights workshop organised by Ngamiland Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (NCONGO) in Maun.

He however acknowledged that human rights came with responsibilities hence some people’s rights should not infringe unto others.

He thus encouraged the pressure groups to tread carefully in seeking justice for all and to engage leadership and seek legal representation where necessary.

He observed that it was the government’s obligation to protect human rights as provided by the constitution of Botswana such as freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and right to life amongst others.

However, he noted that Botswana had received contradictory reviews internationally with some report stating that Botswana respected human rights while another report stated that Botswana failed to uphold human rights on issues of convicts, lesbians and gay rights, people with disability and HIV/AIDS.

He also challenged the participants that it was time for Batswana to review some issues as the relevance of the capital punishment law.

“Maybe it is time to dialogue on it, however, not saying it is right or wrong,” he said.

He also recognised the positive contribution of civil based organisations as NCONGO, Emang Basadi and Ditshwanelo who had challenged some laws to be reviewed such as the law giving women right of consent as spouses in acquiring loans.

Mr Ratanang Mosweu of an organisation dealing with Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual and Transgender issues said gays and lesbians should have specific health services designed for them to avoid stigma not a one size fits all arrangement.

Ms Tebogo Sethibe of Legal Aid said domestic violence especially abuse of women and girl child was rife in the North West region with high rates of teenage pregnancy.

Ms Sethibe also said there was less women representation in politics which was a concern with only a few percentage of women in Parliament. BOPA