Press Statement on International Day in Support of Torture Victims – 26 June

“Stand together against torture”

DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights joins the international community in commemorating United Nations (UN) International Day in Support of Torture Victims on 26 June 2009.

This day is recognised every year as it is the anniversary of the day when the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) came into force in 1987.  Botswana became a state party to the CAT in 2000. Countries which sign the CAT agree that they will take “legislative, administrative, judicial or other measures to prevent acts of torture” within that country. 

The Constitution of Botswana prohibits “torture… inhuman or degrading punishment or other treatment”. When Botswana became a party to the CAT she did so in accordance with the narrow interpretation of her laws, which allow for corporal punishment and the death penalty.

Within recent times, there have been increasing reports in the media of suspects being shot and/or tortured by state security officials.  We need to be on our guard to ensure that where abuse occurs, the perpetrators take responsibility.

As we commemorate this day in Botswana we note that more Batswana are willing to commit themselves to collaborate against torture in Botswana.  This is reflected by the formation of the Citizens for Justice Forum (CJF) on 16 June 2009.  The CJF was formed “to lead in the pursuit of truth and justice in Botswana particularly with regards to extra judicial killings and torture perpetrated by state security agents”.

June 26 is a day for all of us to unite with a common voice to recognise individuals who are healing from the physical and psychological effects of torture and families within our communities who are coming to terms with the trauma that loved ones have survived.

DITSHWANELO urges the Government to uphold the minimum standards of human rights which the country committed itself to in ratifying and acceding to regional and international human rights instruments, including the CAT.  We continue to urge the Government to take all possible steps to attain a Compassionate, Just and Caring Nation by 2016.

26 June 2009
Gaborone

or more information, please contact DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights at Tel: 267 390 6998 Fax: 267 3907778, Website: www.ditshwanelo.info.bw, Email:admin.ditshwanelo@info.bw/ditshwanelo-myfuturetoday@info.org.bw