Amnesty International emphasizes the need for Lesotho’s new government, led by Prime Minister Thomas Thabane, to prioritize human rights reforms following a recent spike in violations. Key actions include ending arbitrary arrests, addressing torture, and ensuring justice for victims. The organization outlines critical steps to break from past abuses and uphold human rights commitments.
Amnesty International urges Lesotho’s newly elected government to take immediate action against past human rights violations and address the alarming increase in such abuses. Over recent years, the nation has faced a dire political and security crisis, prompting significant human rights transgressions underlined by arbitrary arrests of opposition members and journalists.
Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for Southern Africa, emphasized the need for the government to clearly distance itself from previous injustices and rapidly implement a robust human rights reform agenda. This includes restitution and justice for victims affected by these violations.
Amnesty International has outlined several critical actions for the new government: to halt arbitrary detentions and politically motivated prosecutions; eliminate practices of torture and ill-treatment; ensure justice for victims, including the case involving Lieutenant-General Maaparankoe Mahao; protect the freedom of expression; and adhere to both international and regional human rights obligations.
Following the parliamentary no-confidence vote against former Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili on 1 March 2017, Lesotho held elections on 3 June 2017. A coalition consisting of the All Basotho Convention, the Alliance of Democrats, the Basotho National Party, and the Reformed Congress of Lesotho now leads the country with a combined parliamentary strength of 63 seats.
In summary, the new Lesotho government is called upon to prioritize human rights reforms and hold accountable those responsible for past violations. Amnesty International’s demands are pivotal in addressing the widespread concerns regarding arbitrary arrests, torture, and attacks on freedom of expression. With a fresh political coalition now in power, there exists a crucial opportunity to rectify these enduring issues, ensuring legal and ethical adherence to international human rights standards.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
