PRESS STATEMENT BY BOTSWANA CIVIL SOCIETY SOLIDARITY COALITION FOR ZIMBABWE (BOCISCOZ)

ACTION BY THE GOVERNMENT OF BOTSWANA TO DEAL WITH THE POLITICAL CRISIS IN ZIMBABWE

The Botswana Civil Society Solidarity Coalition for Zimbabwe (BOCISCOZ) notes that in The Botswana Guardian of 18 April 2008, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Phandu Skelemani, was quoted as stating that “The Zimbabwean situation is indeed in crisis.”  For BOCISCOZ, the crisis in Zimbabwe and the post electoral impasse had the potential effect of increasing the influx of Zimbabwean citizens into Botswana. On 30 April, the Minister of Justice, Defence and Security, Honourable Dikgakgamatso Seretse, issued a press release which states that since the March 2008 elections in Zimbabwe, there is an increasing number of persons from Zimbabwe “actively seeking political asylum and international protection.”  Media and other civil society organisations in the region have also reported an increase in the violation of human rights of citizens and human rights defenders in Zimbabwe.

BOCISCOZ has been and continues to be concerned about reports of violence against persons in Zimbabwe allegedly perpetrated by agents of the state following the March 29 elections for Presidential, Senatorial, Parliamentary and Council representatives. 

Due to its geographical proximity to Zimbabwe, Botswana has been experiencing the effects of the ongoing Zimbabwean economic decline for many years.  This has been reflected in the migration of several Zimbabweans to Botswana, as they seek better economic opportunities and protection from political persecution. 

In keeping with its international responsibility to safeguard basic human rights of those fleeing to Botswana, “due to a well founded fear of political persecution”, the Government of Botswana has restated its commitment to implementing this obligation.  States are responsible for respecting and ensuring the human rights of everyone in their territory and subject to their national laws.

Noting the urgency of the situation in Zimbabwe, BOCISCOZ would like to call upon the Government of Botswana to implement its “processes and procedures (which) are in place to determine the true status of these asylum seekers, as well as for the provision of necessary amenities for them” as expeditiously as possible.  This will enable the swift recognition and protection of asylum seekers originating from Zimbabwe.  This can be done in collaboration with civil society organisations engaged in human rights and humanitarian work. 

We urge the Government of Botswana to engage with other SADC member states to ensure that the current situation in Zimbabwe is resolved peacefully in accordance with the wishes of the will of the people of Zimbabwe, as expressed through the elections of 29 March 2008.

01 May 2008
Gaborone