Botswana: The Commissioner of Police, Dinah Marathe attended a breakfast meeting with UNICEF Country Representative, Dr Joan Matji, The breakfast meting was hosted in honour of the outgoing British High Commissioner to Botswana, Sian Price.
The meeting was hosted in Gaborone in the morning of August 1. The Welcome remarks for the breakfast meeting was delivered by Dr Joan Matji. In her remarks, she expressed her gratitude towards the High Commissioner for helping UNICEF in achieving its mandate.
The High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Botswana had helped significantly in advocating for the protection of the children’s rights in Botswana.
She reflected on the establishment of Botswana Police Service (BPS) Child Friendly Centres. She further said that this was such a huge milestone.
The centers will provide a conducive environment for children to get in contact with the law and sek help in the time of need. Giving her remarks, Sian Price was thankful for her office’s contribution towards the establishment of the Centres.
She further said that this will enable BPS to accord children the relevant service. She commended the collaboration that existed between all the three offices.
In her reciprocal statement, Commissioner Marathe acknowledged assistance the British High Commission has given to the BPS’s through UNICEF. She highlighted that the support has met the BPS long-time need of providing a friendly environment for children in contact with the law.
Commissioner Dinah Marathe also recognised the continued support BPS received from the High Commission including training of middle and strategic managers and the placement of BPS forensic scientists in UK Universities.
She stated that through the prevailing history of good relations between the two States, Botswana has adopted the British model of doing things including the policing strategy. She concluded by wishing the outgoing High Commissioner well in her future endeavours.
BPS has to this end established eight Child Friendly Centres across the country through the support of the British High Commission, UNICEF and other stakeholders.