DITSHWANELO Press Statement On World Day Against The Death Penalty 2018
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
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.
It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...