PRESS STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY, 10 DECEMBER 2006

FIGHTING POVERTY; A MATTER OF OBLIGATION, NOT CHARITY

DITSHWANELO-The Botswana Centre for Human Rights would like to join the world in the commemoration of International Human Rights Day on 10 December 2006. This day marks the anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. All member states, under the United Nations Charter, including Botswana, have promised to take joint and separate actions to promote universal respect for and observance of human rights. The Botswana Constitution only recognises Civil and Political rights. Botswana has not ratified the Covenant on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states the basic rights of all people. The theme of this year’s Human Rights Day is “Fighting Poverty: a matter of obligation, not charity”. The United Nations recognises poverty as both a cause and a product of Human Rights violations. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 47% of the Botswana population live below the poverty datum line. Poverty undermines human dignity. People whose rights are violated are more likely to be poor and poor people are unable to protect their rights. In Botswana there is no general State funded legal assistance programme for the poor.

DITSHWANELO believes that an effective way to deal with poverty is through a Rights Based Approach to Poverty Eradication and Development. This approach is aimed at achieving sustainable development and livelihoods, economic empowerment and an equitable distribution of wealth amongst the people. However, poverty is more complex than only a lack of income. The poor also find it difficult to have their views heard and to be taken seriously. A Rights Based Approach provides for the empowerment of communities where the poor are able to participate in decision-making process regarding their development.

Government has the legal obligation to ensure that the Human Rights and dignity of its citizens are upheld. In order to be effective, poverty eradication must have more than only a legal dimension. It requires accountability and transparent development processes at national and local levels. Effective participation through self-empowerment is possible where people educate themselves about their rights and responsibilities. Consequently, they are then able to actively participate in political and economic processes and take control of their lives.

A Human Rights Based Approach to Poverty Eradication is in line with the national Vision 2016 document. Principles like botho, democracy, equality, equity, and participation are fundamental for both Human Rights and the Long Term Vision for Botswana. According to Vision 2016 Botswana will have eradicated absolute poverty by the year 2016.

DITSHWANELO continues to be committed to the promotion and protection of Human Rights in Botswana. We believe that our Government is obliged to protect the Human Rights of all in the country, including those of the poor.

8 December 2006

Gaborone