PRESS STATEMENT ON HUMAN RIGHTS WEEK DECEMBER 2008

Cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe affects Botswana

The Botswana Civil Society Solidarity Coalition for Zimbabwe (BOCISCOZ) notes with serious concern, the current cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe and the reported deaths of nearly 600 people. Cholera can easily be prevented through the use of safe, clean water and by people living under sanitary condition. With the collapse of the sanitation system in Zimbabwe, this is no longer possible. Many people have access to only untreated, unsafe, faeces-polluted water, through which the cholera bacteria is spread.

As the Christmas season approaches, we anticipate an increased movement of people between Botswana and Zimbabwe.

BOCISCOZ calls upon the Botswana public to join hands in contributing towards the prevention of the spread of cholera in Botswana. Already there have been reports of cholera in South Africa and Botswana. These have been linked to the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe.

BOCISCOZ welcomes donations to enable it to engage in public-awareness raising activities and to purchase water-purification tablets. These tablets are to minimize the spread of cross-border cholera contamination. Donations can be made to Botswana Council of Churches, account number 57110063593, First National Bank, Mall Branch, Swift code: FIRNBWGX711. The Botswana Council of Churches (BCC), which is a member of BOCISCOZ, will be coordinating this activity.

BOCISCOZ recognises that the cholera outbreak is one of the consequences of the repeated failure of our SADC regional leaders to timeously and decisively address the lack of good governance, accountability to the electorate and widespread gross violation of human rights in the continuing crisis situation in Zimbabwe.

We nevertheless believe that our collective efforts in Botswana can contribute meaningfully as we face the immediate implications of cholera outbreak for Botswana and the region.

 
4 December 2008
Gaborone