Access to information is critical for democracy

DITSHWANELO urges respect for human rights for all

DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights is concerned about the exclusion of the private press from the press conference of 18 May 2009 and the continuing disquiet amongst the public.

The media have an important role to play in the development of a functioning democracy. Human Rights form the bedrock of good governance and democracy. However, rights need to be protected and responsibilities respected. The media, as rights-holders, need to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and access to information in a responsible manner.  The State as a duty-bearer has the responsibility to ensure the protection, promotion and respect of the rights of those living in Botswana, including those of the media.

The press briefing of 18 May 2009, at which Ministers Venson-Moithoi and Seretse addressed only government media workers to the deliberate exclusion of the private press, is not an example of ensuring access to information by the private media.

DITSHWANELO is also aware that the public mood is predominantly one of fear. There is concern about the apparent unbridled freedom granted to security agents in the exercise of their duties. On 26 March 2009, Minister Seretse informed Parliament that there had been 12 different shooting incidents in which eight (8) suspects had been shot dead by security agents since 1 April 2008.  We recognise that certain legal processes will have begun, following the fatal shootings of all reported 9 (nine) people of the 13 shooting incidents which have occurred since 1 April 2008. 

We are aware that a second press briefing was held and was addressed by Minister Seretse on Tuesday 26 May 2009. However, we nevertheless believe that it would be useful, in order to address the fears of the public, for clear information to be shared with the public concerning:

i)  The legal processes which are followed by The State in the case where a person appears to have died ‘otherwise than from natural causes’;

ii) The processes which have been followed by The State since the fatal shooting of John Kalafatis on 13 May 2009; and

iii The legal processes which have been followed in the eight (8) other killings involving security agents and the outcomes of those processes. 

DITSHWANELO urges the Government to remember that while issues of national and personal security need to be dealt with in a sensitive manner, respect for human rights ought not to be compromised. Transparency and accountability are essential ingredients of a functioning democracy.

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29 May 2009
Gaborone

For 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