Amnesty International has called on Lesotho’s new government to swiftly address past human rights violations and the recent rise in abuses. The organization has outlined a human rights agenda ahead of Prime Minister Thomas Thabane’s inauguration. Key recommendations include ending arbitrary arrests, ensuring justice for victims, and maintaining freedom of expression, aiming for a significant reform in governance.
Lesotho’s new government is urged to promptly address past human rights violations and the recent surge in abuses, according to Amnesty International. For several years, the nation has experienced political instability and security crises, leading to significant human rights concerns. Consequently, Amnesty has presented a human rights agenda in anticipation of Prime Minister Thomas Thabane’s inauguration on June 16, seeking immediate reforms to combat these issues.
Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for Southern Africa, emphasized the need for a decisive shift from previous practices. He highlighted the alarming trend of arbitrary arrests and detentions targeting opposition party members, journalists, and human rights defenders since 2014. Muchena called for a comprehensive reform program focused on accountability for the victims of these violations.
Amnesty International demands that the new government take critical steps to improve the situation in Lesotho. These measures include putting an end to arbitrary arrests and politically motivated prosecutions, eradicating torture and mistreatment, ensuring justice for victims of human rights abuses, and upholding freedom of expression. Additionally, the government must adhere to its international human rights obligations.
Background information reveals that Lesotho held elections on June 3, 2017, following the ousting of former Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili. A coalition of four political parties eventually assumed power, collectively holding 63 parliamentary seats.
In summary, Lesotho’s newly elected government must take action to stop the cycle of human rights abuses and foster accountability for previous violations. The situation calls for urgent reforms to establish a governance framework that respects human rights obligations and enables justice for victims. The path forward involves eliminating practices like arbitrary arrests and politically motivated prosecutions, ensuring the rights of all citizens are upheld without exception.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
