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Botswana NGOs condemns Zim army for killings
15 Feb 2019 at 11:16hrs | Views
The Botswana Civil Society Solidarity Coalition for Zimbabwe (BOCISCOZ) has condemned the arbitrary arrest of civil society activist and the violation of human rights of citizens by members of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces and other members of the security forces.
"We call for accountability by the security forces who tortured and violated the rights of civilians. We also call for the release of civil society activists and other citizens who have been falsely charged with inciting violence." BOCISCOZ said in a statement.
BOCISCOZ also expressed concern on the SADC statement blaming members of Zimbabwe's civil society as the main culprits in the recent violent protests and army crackdown that took place.
"BOCISCOZ, however, expresses serious concern and condemns in the strongest terms, the blaming of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for being part of the destabilising force, in the violent political situation in Zimbabwe. This unacceptable apportioning of blame is contained in the SADC Statement, dated 11 February 2019, signed by the current Chairperson of SADC, His Excellency Dr Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia.
"NGOs, as organised bodies, including Human Rights Defenders have continued to be part of the social voice of reason in addressing socio-political situations in countries, globally. In functioning democracies globally, civil society organisations (CSOs) continue to enhance democracy and democratic ideals. The role played by NGOs in Zimbabwe has, since 2000 continued to follow this principle. NGOs should not be used as scapegoats for the advancing of negative political agendas."
The organization further called for all Zimbabweans to unite and find a lasting solution to the problems affecting the country.
"BOCISCOZ calls on all actors in Zimbabwe to work together for a peaceful resolution of conflicts. If there are any NGOs or CSOs which exist and operate against the principle of social unity, BOCISCOZ strongly condemns such organisations.
"We reiterate the call on SADC to engage with all parties on Zimbabwe, including the CSOs, for a sustainable solution to what is a serious situation of development and human rights violations. Such constructive and ethical engagement is vital for a better outcome aimed at the stability of Zimbabwe."
"We call for accountability by the security forces who tortured and violated the rights of civilians. We also call for the release of civil society activists and other citizens who have been falsely charged with inciting violence." BOCISCOZ said in a statement.
BOCISCOZ also expressed concern on the SADC statement blaming members of Zimbabwe's civil society as the main culprits in the recent violent protests and army crackdown that took place.
"BOCISCOZ, however, expresses serious concern and condemns in the strongest terms, the blaming of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for being part of the destabilising force, in the violent political situation in Zimbabwe. This unacceptable apportioning of blame is contained in the SADC Statement, dated 11 February 2019, signed by the current Chairperson of SADC, His Excellency Dr Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia.
"NGOs, as organised bodies, including Human Rights Defenders have continued to be part of the social voice of reason in addressing socio-political situations in countries, globally. In functioning democracies globally, civil society organisations (CSOs) continue to enhance democracy and democratic ideals. The role played by NGOs in Zimbabwe has, since 2000 continued to follow this principle. NGOs should not be used as scapegoats for the advancing of negative political agendas."
The organization further called for all Zimbabweans to unite and find a lasting solution to the problems affecting the country.
"BOCISCOZ calls on all actors in Zimbabwe to work together for a peaceful resolution of conflicts. If there are any NGOs or CSOs which exist and operate against the principle of social unity, BOCISCOZ strongly condemns such organisations.
"We reiterate the call on SADC to engage with all parties on Zimbabwe, including the CSOs, for a sustainable solution to what is a serious situation of development and human rights violations. Such constructive and ethical engagement is vital for a better outcome aimed at the stability of Zimbabwe."
Source - Byo24News
