DITSHWANELO Press Statement On World Day Against The Death Penalty 2018
Monday, October 15, 2018
Ditshwanelo
First recognised in 2003, this day focuses on the use of the death penalty around the world, raises awareness about the death penalty and related issues. DITSHWANELO, together with other human rights organisations around the world, remain opposed to the use of the death penalty.
DITSHWANELO reiterates its appeal to our nation to reflect deeply on the country’s founding principles of unity and botho, and what they mean in our daily lives. They are essential to our identity, as Batswana. We should remember to always uphold them, irrespective of our individual social and economic circumstances.
But on the particularly sensitive question of cadre deployment, the BNF must tread very carefully.The issue deserves robust debate, not ideological enthusiasm. Recent public comments from the BNF leadership are reassuring: the party has said that government positions should be based on merit and competence rather than party membership, and that it does not have a specific cadre-deployment policy.That principle should remain firmly at the centre...