Civil society plays an important and legitimate role in the promotion and protection of human rights, the rule of law, good governance and in the development efforts of any country around the world. Creating and sustaining an environment where civil society can operate freely and participate meaningfully is an obligation of States.  

Civil society plays an important and legitimate role in the promotion and protection of human rights, the rule of law, good governance and in the development efforts of any country around the world. Creating and sustaining an environment where civil society can operate freely and participate meaningfully is an obligation of States. This includes upholding the right of individuals and members of organisations to unhindered access to and communication with international human rights bodies, in line with international human rights law.

Civil society contributes to advancing the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The UN has repeatedly affirmed this and stated how it cannot operate effectively without the input and engagement of civil society. In a number of resolutions, the Council has rightly indicated that reprisals can have a very serious deterrent effect on people willing to cooperate with the UN.

As Botswana, we are deeply concerned about the increasing number of reported cases of reprisals against individuals engaging, or seeking to engage with international human rights bodies. It is clear that the current UN response to preventing them and ensuring redress is inadequate. A more unified, coordinated and effective response is needed to ensure that individuals can engage with the UN human rights system without fear of intimidation or attack. 

The High Commissioner, in her opening statement to the Human Rights Council praised the adoption by the Council during its 24^th session of a forward looking resolution on reprisals. We whole heartedly hope this initiative will be followed through at the General Assembly. 

It is time that UN member states come together to commit to ending reprisals, and contribute to defining and supporting a better UN response. It is for this reason that Botswana felt a strong message from the Human Council at this session was so important and delivered a joint statement on ending reprisals. We warmly thank the 56 other States who have added their voices to our call. 

Reprisals are never acceptable, not in any circumstances, nor in any fora. The UN system and the member States have a responsibility to support and protect those who contribute to its work, often at great personal risk. 

Ambassador Mothusi Bruce Rabasha Palai, Permanent Representative of Botswana to the United Nations in Geneva