18 Dec 2023

Botswana has aligned its laws with principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as it has since independence adopted a constitution, which guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.

Speaking during the commemoration of the International Human Rights Day in Molepolole recently, The Ombudsman, Advocate Stephen Tiroyakgosi said the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of Botswana was predominantly premised on UDHR and the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

He said Botswana had ratified international human rights instruments, enacted various laws and adopted policies that ensured enjoyment of constitutionally entrenched rights. 

He said legislative framework could not effectively protect human rights without institutions which implemented and enforced such laws.

“Government machinery collectively ensures the enjoyment of human rights through the provision of specialised services. A democratic society has a mandate to defend human rights principles for all humans, based on equality, dignity, freedom, and a deep understanding of justice,” he said.

He said this year the world commemorated 75 years of existence of UDHR under the theme; Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All, which called for reflection on global progress attained so far through the UDHR and assess the extent to which UDHR addressed challenges faced by societies today.

The Ombudsman said the theme called for the re-commitment to human rights ideals enshrined in the UDHR in order to secure a sustainable future for the children and the youth. 

 He said a peaceful and just Botswana could not be attained if individuals did not make personal pledges to respect the rights of others.

United Nations Resident Coordinator Mr Zia Choudhury said the universal declaration was a roadmap helping to prevent conflict, end wars, heal divisions, and promote living in peace and dignity for all.

He said UDHR was a set of fundamental principles development in 1948 that served as a blueprint for a world of peace, dignity, and rights for all based on the single criteria of being a human being. 

Mr Choudhury said UDHR recognised inherent dignity of all people and set out inalienable rights, all humans were entitled to without exception.

Ambassador of the European Union Ms Petra Pereyra said UDHR was a landmark document which laid the foundation for the global human rights system as well as national laws and international treaties protecting and promoting human rights.

She said the document remained as valid and crucial today as it was 75 years ago, adding that it was everyone’s collective duty to uphold and advance human rights of each and every person globally.

“As we celebrate this milestone, the European Union reaffirms its commitment to the UN Charter standing together with the United Nations and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as all multilateral and regional organisations in advancing the full realisation of human rights worldwide”.

Sharing the objectives of the day, deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Justice Mr Moffat Lubinda said the day raised awareness on the UDHR and activated initiatives to share milestones attained towards realising the UDHR as well as challenges and themes for implementation by various stakeholders. 

Another objective, he said was to raise awareness on the mandate of the Ombudsman in promoting and protecting human rights.

He said they needed to motivate stakeholders across all sectors to pledge and commit to the continual promotion and protection of human rights.

In his welcome remarks Kgosi Lawrence Mhaladi decried low turnout at the event where stakeholders came forth to share understanding and promotion of human rights. 

He said Molepolole had gone through a rough patch  when people were inhumanely murdered and their right to live forcefully taken away from them.

He said it was therefore important that Bakwena came in large numbers to such events  so that they could work together to eliminate abuse of human rights and the disintegration of the moral fibre.

In his closing remarks, the Member of Parliament for Molepolole South and also Minister for State President Mr Kabo Morwaeng thanked Bakwena and all stakeholders for coming forth to commemorate the International Human Rights Day.

He commended Ministry of Justice for choosing Molepolole as a host.

Minister Morwaeng said Botswana remained committed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as evidenced by establishment in April 2022 of Ministry of Justice which housed eight entities to enhance and ensure that all had access to justice.  

He said the commemoration was the first step towards Botswana’s aspiration of meeting the global sustainable development goals to which Vision 2036 was aligned to ensure that the country continuesd to improve her human rights situation. 

Mr Morwaeng said government was committed to sustaining the relationship it had with non-governmental organisations. Ends