Red Cross wants ex-officio seat in Parly
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday July 26, 2022 06:00
When making submissions to the presidential constitutional review hearing last week, secretary-general of the organisation, Kutlwano Mukokomani said it is rather pertinent that the society gains a seat within the National Assembly to perform its humanitarian function to the Republic of Botswana expeditiously.
“It is common practice in other countries such as India, the United States and Egypt.
This position will not have voting or legislative rights but solely for an advisory role in the humanitarian space and link local humanitarian legislation to the Geneva International Conventions that the Botswana government is a party to,” he said.
“The inclusion of BRCS will harness humanitarian diplomacy as a central commitment of Botswana authorities and its people thereof.”
Mukokomani explained that as a member of the legislature, BRCS can assist to address the gap between national laws and international conventions.
Moreover, he said it will immensely help to have BRCS as a part of the law-making body at such decisive times, which was evident in the recent COVID-19 response.
In addition, he elaborated that this would entail policy development, implementation, humanitarian diplomacy, training, and advocacy, particularly in public health emergencies and disaster relief.
He said the position will help to link the international convention that Botswana has signed for the country’s humanitarian laws.
“The society’s role and contribution should be more pronounced and clearly defined.
We should also be listed as a national response organ and its emergency support function during disasters of all kinds (of manmade, natural, or health nature) be clearly defined,” Mukokomani said.
He further said the Constitution should duly recognise the BRCS as a legal organ in the humanitarian sphere of its country based on the Geneva Conventions and the national legislation auxiliary to the public authorities in the humanitarian field.
“This position will help to link the international convention that Botswana has signed to for the country's humanitarian laws. Society’s role and contribution should be more pronounced and clearly defined. We should also be listed as a national response organ and its emergency support function during disasters of all kinds (of artificial, natural, or health nature) be clearly defined,” he added.