In this preliminary response, the Government rejects the findings and recommendations made in a press statement made by the UN Special Rapporteur Prof. Philip Alston.

The Government is concerned that the UN Special Rapporteur Prof. Philip Alston has made such far reaching conclusions and recommendations on the basis of his Interim report.

The Government is further concerned that such a report has been released without having sought a Government response in accordance to the principles of natural justice, and international practice.

The preliminary report issued today went beyond Prof. Alston’s mandate, and does not encourage dialogue and appears to have been made in bad faith almost impinging on matters of sovereignty especially as it relates to executive prerogative to appoint.

The Government finds it inconceivable that someone who has been in the country for less than ten days can purport to have conducted comprehensive and accurate research on such a serious matter, as to arrive at the recommendations he made.

The Government will issue an effective and compressive response once it receives the full report, which should be submitted as soon as possible by Prof. Alston.



DR. ALFRED N. MUTUA, EBS
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY &
GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN


25 February 2009