Botswana government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting human rights by taking steps to address long-standing concerns regarding the rights of Basarwa.
Despite being a signatory to six of the nine core human rights conventions, Botswana has faced international pressure to strengthen protections for its indigenous people, particularly in areas such as land rights, forced relocations, and access to essential services.
During the 43rd Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council, Botswana was urged to safeguard the rights of Basarwa by preventing forced displacement, ensuring access to quality education and public services, and allowing greater economic inclusion.
This was said by the minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Nelson Ramaotwana in parliament on Thursday where he announced that his ministry has since formed an Inter-ministerial committee that will comprehensively assess the challenges faced by Basarwa communities, particularly those in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR).
Ramaotwana emphasised that the committee’s mandate is to find sustainable solutions to these long-standing human rights concerns while promoting national unity and respect for diversity. A major aspect of its work according to Ramaotwana will involve reviewing the 1986 National Settlement Policy to determine its impact on Basarwa’s livelihoods, cultural preservation, and past relocation efforts.
“The committee will also study international best practices and make recommendations that align with Botswana’s social and economic realities,” Ramaotwana said.
He highlighted that one of the key issues under review is the transition of Basarwa from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled existence adding that many in the community have struggled to adapt to this shift, raising concerns about the erosion of their cultural identity.
Ramaotwana further noted that the committee will also examine how conservation laws, at including hunting bans, have affected their traditional way of life citing that many Basarwa rely on hunting as both a cultural practice and a means of survival, and restrictions have left them without viable alternatives.
“Land rights remain a particularly contentious issue, with legal and constitutional implications regarding whether Basarwa should be allowed to return to the CKGR. The committee is expected to assess past relocation policies and consider whether those affected should have the right to reclaim their ancestral lands,” Ramaotwana said.
He further explained that infrastructure development within the CKGR will also be a focus, with questions surrounding the provision of essential services such as schools, healthcare, water, and electricity.
“The government aims to balance the need for development with the preservation of both the environment and Basarwa’s cultural heritage,” he noted.
He further noted that economic empowerment is another area that will be explored, as Basarwa communities have often been marginalized from mainstream economic opportunities. The committee will assess ways to improve their access to employment, social protection, and partnerships with development stakeholders. Community-based conservation is also being considered as a means to ensure that Basarwa can actively participate in and benefit from Botswana’s thriving tourism and conservation sectors.
Additionally, Ramaotwana noted that financial support and resource mobilization will play a crucial role in the success of these initiatives hence the committee will look into ways of securing funding for long-term programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of Basarwa communities. The government has expressed its commitment to ensuring that any policies introduced are not only inclusive but also sustainable in the long run.
Ramaotwana described this initiative as a step towards a more inclusive Botswana, where development respects the rights, culture, and dignity of all citizens. He emphasised that addressing Basarwa’s concerns should not only be about fulfilling international obligations but also about fostering national cohesion and ensuring that no community is left behind.
The committee’s findings and recommendations are expected to shape Botswana’s future approach to indigenous rights, with a focus on balancing economic development, conservation efforts, and social justice. As consultations begin, there is hope that this process will mark the beginning of meaningful and lasting change for Basarwa communities across the country.
