PRESS STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL DAY IN SUPPORT OF VICTIMS OF TORTURE, 26 JUNE 2007
DITSHWANELO in Support of Victims of Torture
Today, 26 June 2007, DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights joins others around the world in commemorating the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
The frequency of reports of torture, mistreatment of prisoners, violent attacks on opposition party supporters, and use of corporal and capital punishments in Southern Africa is of great concern to DITSHWANELO and its regional partners. In particular, as the situation in Zimbabwe continues to deteriorate, neighbouring countries must assist the survivors of human rights abuses.
Although the Zimbabwean constitution prohibits torture and other inhuman and degrading punishment, we have received reports of excessive force used against political prisoners, physical and psychological torture practiced by security agents and government supporters, and instances of arbitrary arrest and detention. Human rights organisations have also noted a failure to prosecute violators. In addition, harsh prison conditions enable the easy application of torture away from public scrutiny. DITSHWANELO is particularly concerned about the targeting of opposition members, the beatings of those in police custody, and the psychological scars left by abuse.
In 2000, Botswana committed herself to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). However, this Convention has not been domesticated or put into national law. This means that it does not yet have the power of law. Corporal punishment and the death penalty are generally considered to be forms of torture. However, because the laws of Botswana allow for these cruel and degrading forms of punishment, Botswana only accepted the Convention with an exception for corporal punishment and the death penalty
The Government of Botswana has generally respected the human rights of the accused and the imprisoned to be free from degrading punishment. However, recently, reports have been made of suspects being beaten by security force officials who seek to obtain evidence or elicit confessions, of sexual abuse of detainees, and of mistreatment of Zimbabwean prisoners. We need to be on our guard to ensure that where abuse occurs, the perpetrators take responsibility for their actions.
DITSHWANELO urges the governments of Southern Africa to ensure compliance with national and international human rights standards, to allow human rights observers to monitor detention facilities and prisons, and to speedily prosecute those responsible for violations.
26 June 2007
Gaborone |
