21 Jul 2022

Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS) must be included in all structures of humanitarian work across all government ministries and departments, especially in public health emergencies and disaster relief, says Mr Kutlwano Mukokomane.

Not only that, BRCS should be given a leading role in managing the country’s humanitarian fund. 

Mr Mukokomane made these proposals before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Review of the Constitution of Botswana at Maruapula Community Hall on Wednesday. 

He relayed that as a leading organisation in all humanitarian works, his organisation was better placed to ably mobilise resources for the people who needed them during disasters. 

“Botswana Red Cross submits also that the Constitution must define the factors that lead to the declarations of the state of emergency,” he proposed. 

Also, Mr Mukokomane suggested to the Commission that a state of emergency may, for instance, be declared only when the life of the nation is threatened by war, invasion, general insurrection, disorder, natural disaster or any other public health emergency in order to restore peace and order. 

Likewise, he was of the view that the Constitution of Botswana should strengthen a legislative framework that enables or facilitates the regulation and the appropriation as well as the use of the Red Cross emblem in conformity with the Geneva conventions and protect its users from misuse. 

It was also his submission that the society gained an ex-officio seat within the National Assembly to expeditiously perform its humanitarian function to Botswana. 

“This position will harness humanitarian diplomacy as a central commitment of Botswana authorities and its people thereof,” he said. Ends