Amnesty International has urged the new government of Lesotho to address human rights violations and implement reforms following a political and security crisis. The organization has documented arbitrary arrests and abuses against opposition members, emphasizing the need for accountability. A human rights agenda has been presented ahead of the Prime Minister’s inauguration, outlining key demands for reform and protection of rights.
Amnesty International has urged Lesotho’s newly elected government to promptly address past human rights violations and curb the recent increase in abuses. Over the past few years, Lesotho has been engulfed in political and security turmoil, leading to numerous human rights infractions. Human rights defenders, journalists, and opposition members have particularly faced arbitrary arrests and detentions since 2014.
Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for Southern Africa, emphasized that the authorities must signal a definitive departure from prior practices. He called for an urgent overhaul of human rights policies to ensure accountability for victims of human rights abuses. It is crucial for the government to initiate meaningful human rights reforms.
Amnesty International has presented a human rights agenda to the government ahead of Prime Minister Thomas Thabane’s inauguration on June 16. The organization has made several key demands, including the cessation of arbitrary arrests based on political motivations, abolition of torture, securing justice for victims of human rights abuses, and upholding freedom of expression.
The background context includes Lesotho’s recent election held on June 3, 2017, following the downfall of former Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili due to a vote of no confidence in March 2017. A coalition of political parties formed a governing body after gaining a majority of parliamentary seats, indicating a potential shift in leadership dynamics in the country.
In summary, Amnesty International calls on Lesotho’s new government to take immediate action against human rights violations, prioritize accountability, and implement significant reforms. With recent elections altering the political landscape, there is an opportunity for meaningful change. The fulfillment of Lesotho’s international human rights obligations is paramount for a just society, ensuring both the protection of rights and the promotion of democratic principles.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
