Opinion & Analysis

Entrenchment of civil rights

Police making an arrest PIC. THALEFANG CHARLES
 
Police making an arrest PIC. THALEFANG CHARLES

BOFEPUSU calls on Government of Botswana to respect freedom of expression and concise, respect the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration.

Democracy provides an environment that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms, and in which the freely expressed will of people is exercised. These values are embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The idea and concept of democracy includes human rights, as democracy is built on the fundamental of human rights, in front of all on the democratic principle as part of human rights.

Therefore, the respect of human rights is a part of a democratic system. Human rights are the frame of reference for a democracy.

Now these values are being eroded from our republic, as Government tramples upon the rights of people in an attempt to instil fear on them. It’s an epoch of state unleashing terror on its people, and therefore prevalence of “state terrorism”. There is fear of the country disintegrating into a police state.

The Federation condemns the arbitrary and wild arrest of Pastor Thuso Tiego, and accordingly call for his release. We offer solidarity to any movement for democratic ideals, nurturing of civil and political rights.

*BOFEPUSU Secretary General