| BOTSWANA Republic of Botswana Republic of Botswana Joined United Nations: 17 October 1966 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 09/01/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Gaborone
1,990,876
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to
AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower
population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than
would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to
AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower
population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than
would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)
President indirectly elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second
term); Vice President appointed by the President; election last held
20 October 2009
Next scheduled election: October 2014
term); Vice President appointed by the President; election last held
20 October 2009
Next scheduled election: October 2014
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
According to the Botswana constitution the President is both the
Chief of State and Head of Government
Chief of State and Head of Government
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including Kgalagadi and white 7%
| RELIGIONS |
Christian 71.6%, Badimo 6%, other 1.4%, unspecified 0.4%, none 20.6% (2001 census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Parliamentary republic with 9 districts and 5 town councils; Legal system is based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law;
judicial review limited to matters of interpretation; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive :President indirectly elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 20 October 2009 (next to be held
in October 2014); Vice President appointed by the President
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Chiefs (a largely advisory 15-member body with 8 permanent members
consisting of the chiefs of the principal tribes, and 7 non-permanent members serving 5-year terms, consisting of 4 elected subchiefs
and 3 members selected by the other 12 members) and the National Assembly (63 seats, 57 members are directly elected by
popular vote, 4 are appointed by the majority party, and 2, the President and Attorney-General, serve as ex-officio members;
members serve five-year terms)
elections: National Assembly elections last held 16 October 2009 (next to be held in October 2014)
Judicial: High Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrates' Courts (one in each district)
judicial review limited to matters of interpretation; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive :President indirectly elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 20 October 2009 (next to be held
in October 2014); Vice President appointed by the President
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Chiefs (a largely advisory 15-member body with 8 permanent members
consisting of the chiefs of the principal tribes, and 7 non-permanent members serving 5-year terms, consisting of 4 elected subchiefs
and 3 members selected by the other 12 members) and the National Assembly (63 seats, 57 members are directly elected by
popular vote, 4 are appointed by the majority party, and 2, the President and Attorney-General, serve as ex-officio members;
members serve five-year terms)
elections: National Assembly elections last held 16 October 2009 (next to be held in October 2014)
Judicial: High Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrates' Courts (one in each district)
| LANGUAGES |
Setswana 78.2%, Kalanga 7.9%, Sekgalagadi 2.8%, English 2.1% (official), other 8.6%, unspecified 0.4% (2001 census)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The Batswana (plural of "Motswana"), a term also used to denote all citizens of Botswana, refers to the country's major ethnic
group (called the "Tswana" in South Africa). Prior to European contact, the Batswana lived as herders and farmers under tribal rule.
In the late 19th century, hostilities broke out between the Shona inhabitants of Botswana and Ndebele tribes who were migrating
into the territory from the Kalahari Desert. Tensions also escalated with the Boer settlers from the Transvaal. After appeals by the
Batswana leaders Khama III, Bathoen and Sebele for assistance, the British Government on March 31, 1885 put "Bechuanaland"
under its protection. The northern territory remained under direct administration as the Bechuanaland Protectorate and is today's
Botswana, while the southern territory became part of the Cape Colony and is now part of the northwest province of South Africa;
the majority of Setswana-speaking people today live in South Africa. When the Union of South Africa was formed in 1910 out of
the main British colonies in the region, the Bechuanaland Protectorate, Basutoland (now Lesotho), and Swaziland (the "High
Commission Territories") were not included, but provision was made for their later incorporation. However, a vague undertaking
was given to consult their inhabitants, and although successive South African governments sought to have the territories transferred,
Britain kept delaying, and it never occurred. The election of the National Party government in 1948, which instituted apartheid, and
South Africa's withdrawal from the Commonwealth in 1961, ended any prospect of incorporation of the territories into South Africa.
An expansion of British central authority and the evolution of tribal government resulted in the 1920 establishment of two advisory
councils representing Africans and Europeans. Proclamations in 1934 regularized tribal rule and powers. A European-African
advisory council was formed in 1951, and the 1961 constitution established a consultative legislative council. In June 1964, Britain
accepted proposals for democratic self-government in Botswana. The seat of government was moved from Mafikeng in South
Africa, to newly established Gaborone in 1965. The 1965 constitution led to the first general elections and to independence on
September 30, 1966. Seretse Khama, a leader in the independence movement and the legitimate claimant to the Ngwato chiefship,
was elected as the first president, re-elected twice, and died in office in 1980. The presidency passed to the sitting vice president,
Ketumile Masire, who was elected in his own right in 1984 and re-elected in 1989 and 1994. Masire retired from office in 1998.
The presidency passed to the sitting vice president, Festus Mogae, who was elected in his own right in 1999 and re-elected in
2004. He stepped down on 1 April 2008 turning the presidency over to his Vice President Seretse Khama Ian Khama who was
elected to continue in the post on 20 October 2009.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Botswana
group (called the "Tswana" in South Africa). Prior to European contact, the Batswana lived as herders and farmers under tribal rule.
In the late 19th century, hostilities broke out between the Shona inhabitants of Botswana and Ndebele tribes who were migrating
into the territory from the Kalahari Desert. Tensions also escalated with the Boer settlers from the Transvaal. After appeals by the
Batswana leaders Khama III, Bathoen and Sebele for assistance, the British Government on March 31, 1885 put "Bechuanaland"
under its protection. The northern territory remained under direct administration as the Bechuanaland Protectorate and is today's
Botswana, while the southern territory became part of the Cape Colony and is now part of the northwest province of South Africa;
the majority of Setswana-speaking people today live in South Africa. When the Union of South Africa was formed in 1910 out of
the main British colonies in the region, the Bechuanaland Protectorate, Basutoland (now Lesotho), and Swaziland (the "High
Commission Territories") were not included, but provision was made for their later incorporation. However, a vague undertaking
was given to consult their inhabitants, and although successive South African governments sought to have the territories transferred,
Britain kept delaying, and it never occurred. The election of the National Party government in 1948, which instituted apartheid, and
South Africa's withdrawal from the Commonwealth in 1961, ended any prospect of incorporation of the territories into South Africa.
An expansion of British central authority and the evolution of tribal government resulted in the 1920 establishment of two advisory
councils representing Africans and Europeans. Proclamations in 1934 regularized tribal rule and powers. A European-African
advisory council was formed in 1951, and the 1961 constitution established a consultative legislative council. In June 1964, Britain
accepted proposals for democratic self-government in Botswana. The seat of government was moved from Mafikeng in South
Africa, to newly established Gaborone in 1965. The 1965 constitution led to the first general elections and to independence on
September 30, 1966. Seretse Khama, a leader in the independence movement and the legitimate claimant to the Ngwato chiefship,
was elected as the first president, re-elected twice, and died in office in 1980. The presidency passed to the sitting vice president,
Ketumile Masire, who was elected in his own right in 1984 and re-elected in 1989 and 1994. Masire retired from office in 1998.
The presidency passed to the sitting vice president, Festus Mogae, who was elected in his own right in 1999 and re-elected in
2004. He stepped down on 1 April 2008 turning the presidency over to his Vice President Seretse Khama Ian Khama who was
elected to continue in the post on 20 October 2009.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Botswana
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Botswana has maintained one of the world's highest economic growth rates since independence in 1966, though growth fell below
5% in 2007-08, and turned sharply negative in 2009, with industry falling nearly 30%. Through fiscal discipline and sound
management, Botswana transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle-income country with a per
capita GDP of $14,100 in 2008. Two major investment services rank Botswana as the best credit risk in Africa. Diamond mining
has fueled much of the expansion and currently accounts for more than one-third of GDP, 70-80% of export earnings, and about
half of the government's revenues. Botswana's heavy reliance on a single luxury export was a critical factor in the sharp economic
contraction of 2009. Tourism, financial services, subsistence farming, and cattle raising are other key sectors. Although
unemployment was 7.5% in 2007 according to official reports, unofficial estimates place it closer to 40%. The prevalence of
HIV/AIDS is second highest in the world and threaten Botswana's impressive economic gains. An expected leveling off in diamond
mining production within the next two decades overshadows long-term prospects.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Botswana)
5% in 2007-08, and turned sharply negative in 2009, with industry falling nearly 30%. Through fiscal discipline and sound
management, Botswana transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle-income country with a per
capita GDP of $14,100 in 2008. Two major investment services rank Botswana as the best credit risk in Africa. Diamond mining
has fueled much of the expansion and currently accounts for more than one-third of GDP, 70-80% of export earnings, and about
half of the government's revenues. Botswana's heavy reliance on a single luxury export was a critical factor in the sharp economic
contraction of 2009. Tourism, financial services, subsistence farming, and cattle raising are other key sectors. Although
unemployment was 7.5% in 2007 according to official reports, unofficial estimates place it closer to 40%. The prevalence of
HIV/AIDS is second highest in the world and threaten Botswana's impressive economic gains. An expected leveling off in diamond
mining production within the next two decades overshadows long-term prospects.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Botswana)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Botswana is formally a multiparty constitutional democracy. Each of the elections since independence in September 1966 has been
freely and fairly contested and has been held on schedule. The country's small white minority and other minorities participate freely
in the political process. There are two main rival parties and a number of smaller parties. However, Botswana is also a
dominant-party state in that the BDP has never lost power since independence. Some argue that the openness of the country's
political system has been a significant factor in Botswana's stability and economic growth. General elections are held at least every 5
years.
The president has executive power and is chosen by the National Assembly following countrywide legislative elections. The cabinet
is selected by the president from the National Assembly; it consists of a vice president and a flexible number of ministers and
assistant ministers, currently 13 and 3, respectively.
The advisory House of Chiefs represents the eight principal subgroups of the Batswana people, and four other members are elected
by the subchiefs of four of the districts. A draft of any National Assembly bill of tribal concern must be referred to the House of
Chiefs for advisory opinion. Chiefs and other leaders preside over customary, traditional courts, though all persons have the right to
request that their case be considered under the formal British-based legal system.
The roots of Botswana's democracy lie in Setswana traditions, exemplified by the Kgotla, or village council, in which the powers of
traditional leaders are limited by custom and law.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Botswana
freely and fairly contested and has been held on schedule. The country's small white minority and other minorities participate freely
in the political process. There are two main rival parties and a number of smaller parties. However, Botswana is also a
dominant-party state in that the BDP has never lost power since independence. Some argue that the openness of the country's
political system has been a significant factor in Botswana's stability and economic growth. General elections are held at least every 5
years.
The president has executive power and is chosen by the National Assembly following countrywide legislative elections. The cabinet
is selected by the president from the National Assembly; it consists of a vice president and a flexible number of ministers and
assistant ministers, currently 13 and 3, respectively.
The advisory House of Chiefs represents the eight principal subgroups of the Batswana people, and four other members are elected
by the subchiefs of four of the districts. A draft of any National Assembly bill of tribal concern must be referred to the House of
Chiefs for advisory opinion. Chiefs and other leaders preside over customary, traditional courts, though all persons have the right to
request that their case be considered under the formal British-based legal system.
The roots of Botswana's democracy lie in Setswana traditions, exemplified by the Kgotla, or village council, in which the powers of
traditional leaders are limited by custom and law.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Botswana
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Botswana still struggles to seal its border from thousands of Zimbabweans who flee economic collapse and political persecution;
Namibia has long supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to, plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge
over the Zambezi River at Kazungula crossing, thereby de facto recognizing the short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia
boundary
Namibia has long supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to, plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge
over the Zambezi River at Kazungula crossing, thereby de facto recognizing the short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia
boundary
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Botswana
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Botswana, with a population of 1.84 million, has been a multiparty democracy since independence in 1966. Its constitution provides for
indirect election of a president and popular election of a National Assembly. On October 16, the ruling Botswana Democratic Party
(BDP) won the majority of parliamentary seats in an election deemed generally free and fair. President Ian Khama, who has held the
presidency since the resignation of President Festus Mogae in April 2008, retained his position. The BDP has held a majority of National
Assembly seats since independence. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens; however, some problems remained, including:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Botswana, with a population of 1.84 million, has been a multiparty democracy since independence in 1966. Its constitution provides for
indirect election of a president and popular election of a National Assembly. On October 16, the ruling Botswana Democratic Party
(BDP) won the majority of parliamentary seats in an election deemed generally free and fair. President Ian Khama, who has held the
presidency since the resignation of President Festus Mogae in April 2008, retained his position. The BDP has held a majority of National
Assembly seats since independence. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens; however, some problems remained, including:
- reports of abuses by security forces, poor prison conditions, lengthy delays in the judicial process, reports of restrictions on
press freedom, and restrictions on the right to strike. - Societal discrimination and violence against women,
- discrimination against children, persons with disabilities, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, persons
living with HIV/AIDS, persons with albinism, and members of the San ethnic group, and child labor were problems. - The government's continued narrow interpretation of a 2006 High Court ruling resulted in the majority of San originally relocated
from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) being prohibited from returning to or hunting in the CKGR.
5 February 2010
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Forty-fifth session
18 January – 5 February 2010
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Botswana
Introduction
2. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its combined initial, second and third periodic report, which followed
the Committee’s former guidelines for preparation of reports, but which was long overdue. The Committee also expresses its
appreciation to the State party for the written replies to the list of issues and questions raised by the pre-session working group.
3. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for the constructive dialogue and the efforts made by the delegation,
headed by the Permanent Representative of Botswana to the United Nations, to respond to the questions raised by the Committee. It
notes that the delegation did not include, except for the Acting Director of Women Affairs Department within the Ministry of Labour and
Home Affairs, any representatives from other relevant ministries or offices, which limited the ability of the delegation to provide
succinct, clear and direct answers and left some of the questions raised by the Committee during the dialogue unanswered.
Positive aspects
4. The Committee commends the State party for having acceded to the Convention without reservations in 1996 and for having acceded
to its Optional Protocol in 2007.
5. The Committee notes with appreciation the review by the State party in 1997 of existing legislation and the passing of new legislation
affecting the status of women with the view to align them with the provisions of the Convention. It particularly welcomes the
amendments made to the Citizenship Act of 1995 and 2003, the Mines and Quarries Act of 1996, the Criminal procedures and Evidence
Act of 1997, the Deed Registry Act of 1996, the Penal Code of 1998 and 2004, the Affiliations Proceedings Act of 1999, the Public
Service Act of 2000, the Marriage Act of 2001 and the Employment Act of 1996. It takes note with appreciation the enactment of the
Abolition of Marital Power Act in 2004 and the subsequent amendments to a number of statute laws to align them with the Abolition of
Marital Power Act.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
7. The Committee recalls the State party’s obligation to implement, systematically and continuously, all the provisions of the Convention,
and views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding observations as requiring the State party’s priority
attention between now and the submission of its next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee urges the State party to focus on
those areas in its implementation activities and to report on actions taken and results achieved in its next periodic report. It calls upon the
State party to submit the present concluding observations to all relevant ministries, to the Parliament and to the judiciary, so as to ensure
their full implementation.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Forty-fifth session
18 January – 5 February 2010
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Botswana
Introduction
2. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its combined initial, second and third periodic report, which followed
the Committee’s former guidelines for preparation of reports, but which was long overdue. The Committee also expresses its
appreciation to the State party for the written replies to the list of issues and questions raised by the pre-session working group.
3. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for the constructive dialogue and the efforts made by the delegation,
headed by the Permanent Representative of Botswana to the United Nations, to respond to the questions raised by the Committee. It
notes that the delegation did not include, except for the Acting Director of Women Affairs Department within the Ministry of Labour and
Home Affairs, any representatives from other relevant ministries or offices, which limited the ability of the delegation to provide
succinct, clear and direct answers and left some of the questions raised by the Committee during the dialogue unanswered.
Positive aspects
4. The Committee commends the State party for having acceded to the Convention without reservations in 1996 and for having acceded
to its Optional Protocol in 2007.
5. The Committee notes with appreciation the review by the State party in 1997 of existing legislation and the passing of new legislation
affecting the status of women with the view to align them with the provisions of the Convention. It particularly welcomes the
amendments made to the Citizenship Act of 1995 and 2003, the Mines and Quarries Act of 1996, the Criminal procedures and Evidence
Act of 1997, the Deed Registry Act of 1996, the Penal Code of 1998 and 2004, the Affiliations Proceedings Act of 1999, the Public
Service Act of 2000, the Marriage Act of 2001 and the Employment Act of 1996. It takes note with appreciation the enactment of the
Abolition of Marital Power Act in 2004 and the subsequent amendments to a number of statute laws to align them with the Abolition of
Marital Power Act.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
7. The Committee recalls the State party’s obligation to implement, systematically and continuously, all the provisions of the Convention,
and views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding observations as requiring the State party’s priority
attention between now and the submission of its next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee urges the State party to focus on
those areas in its implementation activities and to report on actions taken and results achieved in its next periodic report. It calls upon the
State party to submit the present concluding observations to all relevant ministries, to the Parliament and to the judiciary, so as to ensure
their full implementation.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 3
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Free
Ratings Change
Botswana’s political rights rating declined from 2 to 3 due to decreased transparency and accountability in the executive
branch under President Seretse Khama Ian Khama’s administration.
Overview
The ruling Botswana Democratic Party swept parliamentary elections in October 2009, and Parliament confirmed President Seretse
Khama Ian Khama for a full term in office. Khama, previously the vice president, had risen to the presidency in 2008 after the incumbent
retired, and government transparency has been reduced under his administration. In May 2009, he was accused of ordering the
extrajudicial killing of a suspected criminal, amid a spate of similar killings by security forces that began in 2008.
Significant rifts within the ruling party emerged before legislative elections in October 2009. Most notably, Khama suspended his rival,
BDP secretary general Gomolemo Motswaledi, preventing him from standing as a candidate for Parliament. In September, the High
Court rejected Motswaledi’s related lawsuit against Khama, citing the head of state’s constitutional immunity from civil suits.
In the elections, the BDP won 45 of 57 seats with 53.3 percent of the vote. The Botswana National Front (BNF) won 6 seats and almost
22 percent of the vote, while the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) won 4 seats and 19 percent. Two other parties each captured one
seat. Parliament confirmed Khama for a full presidential term later that month, and preliminary observer reports declared the elections
free and fair.
A spate of extrajudicial killings by police and other security forces that began in 2008 continued in 2009. According to government
statistics and media reports, there were between 10 and 12 such killings from April 2008 to the end of 2009. In May, the killing of
alleged criminal John Kalafatis sparked a major controversy after press reports claimed that security forces were involved and that
President Khama had ordered Kalafatis’s death. The government vociferously denied the charge.
More than 17.5 percent of Botswana’s population is infected with HIV, and the UN Children’s Fund estimates that AIDS has created
more than 120,000 orphans in the country. Nevertheless, the government announced in February 2009 that revenue shortfalls would
force cuts to its HIV/AIDS programs, which have included free antiretroviral drugs and routine HIV testing in all public health facilities.
Botswana is an electoral democracy. The 63-seat National Assembly, elected for five years, chooses the president to serve a concurrent
five-year term. Of the Assembly’s 63 members, 57 are directly elected, 4 are nominated by the president and approved by the Assembly,
and 2—the president and the attorney general—are ex-officio members. Despite being elected indirectly, the president holds significant
power; while he can prolong or dismiss the legislature, the legislature is not empowered to impeach the president. Democracy advocates
have alleged that power has become increasingly centralized around current president Seretse Khama Ian Khama, with many top jobs
going to military officers and family members.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 3
Civil Liberties Score: 2
Status: Free
Ratings Change
Botswana’s political rights rating declined from 2 to 3 due to decreased transparency and accountability in the executive
branch under President Seretse Khama Ian Khama’s administration.
Overview
The ruling Botswana Democratic Party swept parliamentary elections in October 2009, and Parliament confirmed President Seretse
Khama Ian Khama for a full term in office. Khama, previously the vice president, had risen to the presidency in 2008 after the incumbent
retired, and government transparency has been reduced under his administration. In May 2009, he was accused of ordering the
extrajudicial killing of a suspected criminal, amid a spate of similar killings by security forces that began in 2008.
Significant rifts within the ruling party emerged before legislative elections in October 2009. Most notably, Khama suspended his rival,
BDP secretary general Gomolemo Motswaledi, preventing him from standing as a candidate for Parliament. In September, the High
Court rejected Motswaledi’s related lawsuit against Khama, citing the head of state’s constitutional immunity from civil suits.
In the elections, the BDP won 45 of 57 seats with 53.3 percent of the vote. The Botswana National Front (BNF) won 6 seats and almost
22 percent of the vote, while the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) won 4 seats and 19 percent. Two other parties each captured one
seat. Parliament confirmed Khama for a full presidential term later that month, and preliminary observer reports declared the elections
free and fair.
A spate of extrajudicial killings by police and other security forces that began in 2008 continued in 2009. According to government
statistics and media reports, there were between 10 and 12 such killings from April 2008 to the end of 2009. In May, the killing of
alleged criminal John Kalafatis sparked a major controversy after press reports claimed that security forces were involved and that
President Khama had ordered Kalafatis’s death. The government vociferously denied the charge.
More than 17.5 percent of Botswana’s population is infected with HIV, and the UN Children’s Fund estimates that AIDS has created
more than 120,000 orphans in the country. Nevertheless, the government announced in February 2009 that revenue shortfalls would
force cuts to its HIV/AIDS programs, which have included free antiretroviral drugs and routine HIV testing in all public health facilities.
Botswana is an electoral democracy. The 63-seat National Assembly, elected for five years, chooses the president to serve a concurrent
five-year term. Of the Assembly’s 63 members, 57 are directly elected, 4 are nominated by the president and approved by the Assembly,
and 2—the president and the attorney general—are ex-officio members. Despite being elected indirectly, the president holds significant
power; while he can prolong or dismiss the legislature, the legislature is not empowered to impeach the president. Democracy advocates
have alleged that power has become increasingly centralized around current president Seretse Khama Ian Khama, with many top jobs
going to military officers and family members.
Click here to read more »
Death penalty report: China must end secrecy surrounding sentences and executions
30 March 2010
Amnesty International on Tuesday challenged the Chinese authorities to reveal how many people they execute and sentence to death, as
the organization published its world overview of the death penalty for 2009.
The report, Death Sentences and Executions in 2009, reveals that at least 714 people were executed in 18 countries and at least 2001
people were sentenced to death in 56 countries last year.
Amnesty International's research shows that countries that still carry out executions are the exception rather than the rule. In addition to
China, the worst offending nations were Iran with at least 388 executions, Iraq at least 120, Saudi Arabia at least 69 and the USA with
52.
The past year saw capital punishment applied extensively to send political messages, to silence opponents or to promote political agendas
in China, Iran and Sudan, according to Amnesty International's report.
"Fewer countries than ever before are carrying out executions. As it did with slavery and apartheid, the world is rejecting this
embarrassment to humanity," said Claudio Cordone. "We are moving closer to a death penalty free world, but until that day every
execution must be opposed."
Regional Summaries:
In sub-Saharan Africa only two countries executed prisoners: Botswana and Sudan. The largest mass commutation of death sentences
ever known to Amnesty International took place in Kenya as the government announced that more than 4,000 condemned prisoners
would have their sentences commuted to imprisonment.
Click here to read more »
30 March 2010
Amnesty International on Tuesday challenged the Chinese authorities to reveal how many people they execute and sentence to death, as
the organization published its world overview of the death penalty for 2009.
The report, Death Sentences and Executions in 2009, reveals that at least 714 people were executed in 18 countries and at least 2001
people were sentenced to death in 56 countries last year.
Amnesty International's research shows that countries that still carry out executions are the exception rather than the rule. In addition to
China, the worst offending nations were Iran with at least 388 executions, Iraq at least 120, Saudi Arabia at least 69 and the USA with
52.
The past year saw capital punishment applied extensively to send political messages, to silence opponents or to promote political agendas
in China, Iran and Sudan, according to Amnesty International's report.
"Fewer countries than ever before are carrying out executions. As it did with slavery and apartheid, the world is rejecting this
embarrassment to humanity," said Claudio Cordone. "We are moving closer to a death penalty free world, but until that day every
execution must be opposed."
Regional Summaries:
In sub-Saharan Africa only two countries executed prisoners: Botswana and Sudan. The largest mass commutation of death sentences
ever known to Amnesty International took place in Kenya as the government announced that more than 4,000 condemned prisoners
would have their sentences commuted to imprisonment.
Click here to read more »
Deliberate Chaos
Ongoing Human Rights Abuses in the Marange Diamond Fields of Zimbabwe
June 20, 2010
Recommendations
To Members of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme
* Call for an end to human rights abuses and smuggling in Marange and demand transparency and accountability within Zimbabwe’s
diamond industry.
* Suspend Zimbabwe until these conditions are fulfilled, suspend the “joint work plan,” and continue to refuse to give Marange
diamonds Kimberley Process certificates.
* Call for the release of Farai Maguwu from prison and restore all confiscated computers, files, and materials that belonged to his
organization. Announce an independent investigation into the circumstances leading to Mr. Maguwu’s arrest, harassment, and continued
incarceration after he met with the Kimberley Process monitor, Abbey Chikane.
* Address past and continuing human rights abuses in Marange and recognize human rights issues as a fundamental element of the
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme mandate.
To the Power-sharing Government of Zimbabwe
* Facilitate an independent investigation into past and ongoing human rights abuses in Marange, hold accountable anyone found
responsible for the abuses, and provide remedies and justice for victims.
* Cease harassment of the Centre for Research and Development and its staff and ensure that the human rights and due process rights
of its staff, as guaranteed under the Zimbabwe constitution, are fully respected.
* Implement the government’s earlier commitment to completely withdraw the armed forces from Marange’s diamond fields, and
transfer security responsibilities to the police.
* Urgently and fully comply with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme’s minimum standards, including ensuring adequate and
transparent controls within Zimbabwe’s diamond industry to reduce smuggling and human rights abuses.
* Investigate the necessity of relocating communities residing in and around the diamond fields. If the relocation is strictly necessary,
ensure that it proceeds according to international standards governing relocation, including transparent and informed consultations, full
community involvement, and adequate compensation and relocation to homes of at least equivalent value.
* Ensure transparency and accountability of Marange diamond revenue, allowing the people of Zimbabwe to be the prime beneficiaries
of this natural resource.
* Facilitate an impartial, independent investigation into the alleged breach of Kimberley Process Monitor Chikane’s privacy that led to
the opening of his bag and removal of private emails. Take appropriate action against those responsible.
To Neighboring Countries, including Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, & Botswana
* Take appropriate measures to stop Marange diamonds from entering domestic diamond industries or contaminating legitimate
international trade.
* To South Africa in particular: in order to protect the credibility of South Africa’s own diamond industry, announce an immediate,
independent investigation into South African companies or individuals handling Marange blood diamonds or who are involved in diamond
mining; and take appropriate measures to discourage companies from investing in Marange until human rights abuses there have ended.
Click here to read more »
Ongoing Human Rights Abuses in the Marange Diamond Fields of Zimbabwe
June 20, 2010
Recommendations
To Members of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme
* Call for an end to human rights abuses and smuggling in Marange and demand transparency and accountability within Zimbabwe’s
diamond industry.
* Suspend Zimbabwe until these conditions are fulfilled, suspend the “joint work plan,” and continue to refuse to give Marange
diamonds Kimberley Process certificates.
* Call for the release of Farai Maguwu from prison and restore all confiscated computers, files, and materials that belonged to his
organization. Announce an independent investigation into the circumstances leading to Mr. Maguwu’s arrest, harassment, and continued
incarceration after he met with the Kimberley Process monitor, Abbey Chikane.
* Address past and continuing human rights abuses in Marange and recognize human rights issues as a fundamental element of the
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme mandate.
To the Power-sharing Government of Zimbabwe
* Facilitate an independent investigation into past and ongoing human rights abuses in Marange, hold accountable anyone found
responsible for the abuses, and provide remedies and justice for victims.
* Cease harassment of the Centre for Research and Development and its staff and ensure that the human rights and due process rights
of its staff, as guaranteed under the Zimbabwe constitution, are fully respected.
* Implement the government’s earlier commitment to completely withdraw the armed forces from Marange’s diamond fields, and
transfer security responsibilities to the police.
* Urgently and fully comply with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme’s minimum standards, including ensuring adequate and
transparent controls within Zimbabwe’s diamond industry to reduce smuggling and human rights abuses.
* Investigate the necessity of relocating communities residing in and around the diamond fields. If the relocation is strictly necessary,
ensure that it proceeds according to international standards governing relocation, including transparent and informed consultations, full
community involvement, and adequate compensation and relocation to homes of at least equivalent value.
* Ensure transparency and accountability of Marange diamond revenue, allowing the people of Zimbabwe to be the prime beneficiaries
of this natural resource.
* Facilitate an impartial, independent investigation into the alleged breach of Kimberley Process Monitor Chikane’s privacy that led to
the opening of his bag and removal of private emails. Take appropriate action against those responsible.
To Neighboring Countries, including Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, & Botswana
* Take appropriate measures to stop Marange diamonds from entering domestic diamond industries or contaminating legitimate
international trade.
* To South Africa in particular: in order to protect the credibility of South Africa’s own diamond industry, announce an immediate,
independent investigation into South African companies or individuals handling Marange blood diamonds or who are involved in diamond
mining; and take appropriate measures to discourage companies from investing in Marange until human rights abuses there have ended.
Click here to read more »
State of the Nation Address by His Excellency Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama
November 23rd, 2009 by admin
INTRODUCTION
1. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to give this
Honourable Assembly an assessment of our nation’s achievements and challenges, in this my first State of the Nation Address, which
will also be the last before the next general election.
2. We should, however, recognise that addressing the needs of
Batswana cannot be limited to the activities of Government alone. The ability to move forward ultimately rests with all of us. Our
national anthem rightly affirms that our land is a gift from God – but our nation’s progress did not fall from heaven – it is the product of
human efforts to achieve common goals. Only by continuing to work together shall we overcome our most daunting challenges, while
achieving our highest aspirations.
3. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of interacting with
fellow citizens from different areas and walks of life around the country, in the process deepening my own appreciation of the fact that,
as a society, we are fortunate to share common values, as well as interests. We further share the conviction that Government must
remain accountable to the common good.
4. Our democracy is also embedded in a culture of tolerance and
mutual respect, in which individual rights go hand in hand with responsibilities and consideration for the dignity of others. These qualities
are reflected in our Constitution, which provides us with the framework by which the three arms of Government are not only held
accountable to one another but, more importantly, to the public they have been established to serve. All three arms of Government, as
well as other independent bodies, should therefore work together for the nation’s shared benefit. In this way, the goals which unite us
will continue to be far greater than any details that may divide us.
5. Such a democratic commitment, when combined with enhanced discipline, will enable us to achieve the sustained development
necessary to ensure that all our citizens live in dignity.
9. No democracy can exist without discipline. Wherever I go throughout our great country, I hear voices lamenting that the timeless
values that have long held our nation together are under threat. That Botho, our shared sense of mutual respect and responsibility, is
being replaced with more self-centred, all too often self destructive, social and political behaviour. Where we once practised self-reliance
(ipelegeng), at both the individual and community levels, we now too often tend to rely on others and the State to provide for us.
Click here to read more »
November 23rd, 2009 by admin
INTRODUCTION
1. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to give this
Honourable Assembly an assessment of our nation’s achievements and challenges, in this my first State of the Nation Address, which
will also be the last before the next general election.
2. We should, however, recognise that addressing the needs of
Batswana cannot be limited to the activities of Government alone. The ability to move forward ultimately rests with all of us. Our
national anthem rightly affirms that our land is a gift from God – but our nation’s progress did not fall from heaven – it is the product of
human efforts to achieve common goals. Only by continuing to work together shall we overcome our most daunting challenges, while
achieving our highest aspirations.
3. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of interacting with
fellow citizens from different areas and walks of life around the country, in the process deepening my own appreciation of the fact that,
as a society, we are fortunate to share common values, as well as interests. We further share the conviction that Government must
remain accountable to the common good.
4. Our democracy is also embedded in a culture of tolerance and
mutual respect, in which individual rights go hand in hand with responsibilities and consideration for the dignity of others. These qualities
are reflected in our Constitution, which provides us with the framework by which the three arms of Government are not only held
accountable to one another but, more importantly, to the public they have been established to serve. All three arms of Government, as
well as other independent bodies, should therefore work together for the nation’s shared benefit. In this way, the goals which unite us
will continue to be far greater than any details that may divide us.
5. Such a democratic commitment, when combined with enhanced discipline, will enable us to achieve the sustained development
necessary to ensure that all our citizens live in dignity.
9. No democracy can exist without discipline. Wherever I go throughout our great country, I hear voices lamenting that the timeless
values that have long held our nation together are under threat. That Botho, our shared sense of mutual respect and responsibility, is
being replaced with more self-centred, all too often self destructive, social and political behaviour. Where we once practised self-reliance
(ipelegeng), at both the individual and community levels, we now too often tend to rely on others and the State to provide for us.
Click here to read more »
DITSHWANELO PRESS STATEMENT ON THE DECISION OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’
RIGHTS IN PROFESSOR KENNETH GOOD’S CASE
Kenneth Good succeeds in case against the Republic of Botswana
25 June 2010
Gaborone
DITSHWANELO -The Botswana Centre for Human Rights takes note of the recent decision of the African Commission on Human and
Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in the case of Kenneth Good versus The Republic of Botswana at its 47 Ordinary Session held in The Gambia
from 12 to 26 May 2010.
Kenneth Good was a lecturer in Political Science at the University of Botswana, until his employment was terminated, following his
deportation from Botswana on 31 May 2005. He often commented on issues concerning human rights, democracy and the need for
responsible citizenship in Botswana. He was declared a prohibited immigrant by President Mogae in February 2005. He unsuccessfully
challenged this declaration before the courts of Botswana. DITSHWANELO was accepted by the Court of Appeal as an amicus curiae in
the appeal stage of the case of the court. Amicus curiae is the Latin for ‘friend of the court’. It is a status which the Court grants to
individuals or organisations who are not official parties to a legal matter. This enables them to present arguments in that legal matter.
The ACHPR, of which Botswana is a member, stated in its decision in the case that Botswana “should take steps to ensure that Sections
7 (f), 11(6) and 36 of the Botswana Immigration Act and its practices conform to international human rights standards, in particular, the
African Charter”. These provisions prohibit any court from questioning the adequacy of the President’s declaration. They also prevent
persons who are declared ‘prohibited immigrants’ from having a hearing or questioning the ground on which the declaration was made.
DITSHWANELO supports this position of the ACHPR on the Immigration Act.
In 2005, DITSHWANELO issued four (4) press statements concerning these provisions in the Good case. On the 1 June 2005
DITSHWANELO called for a review of ‘’the entire process for declaring persons prohibited immigrants”. In a functioning democracy,
there needs to be transparency concerning the parameter of what is ‘national interest’. We noted and continue to note that there was and
is need for The Immigration Act to be amended. The President's sole discretion in declaring persons prohibited immigrants and not being
required to provide reasons for his decision, undermines the fundamental rules of natural justice and human rights. Anyone accused of
an offence has the right to present his or her side of the story (audi alteram partem rule).
On 1 June 2005 “DITSHWANELO also renewed its call for the Government of Botswana to implement its international treaty obligations
by domesticating their provisions into domestic law”. The same concern was raised by DITSHWANELO before the United Nations
Human Rights Committee in March 2008. In its press statement on 9 October 2009 DITSHWANELO referred to the need for
constitutional review.
DITSHWANELO calls on the Attorney General’s Chambers to take careful note of this decision. We encourage The Government of
Botswana to take steps to ensure that the laws of Botswana conform to the development of an open and democratic society, guided by
minimum human rights standards, as envisioned in Vision 2016.
Click here to read more »
RIGHTS IN PROFESSOR KENNETH GOOD’S CASE
Kenneth Good succeeds in case against the Republic of Botswana
25 June 2010
Gaborone
DITSHWANELO -The Botswana Centre for Human Rights takes note of the recent decision of the African Commission on Human and
Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in the case of Kenneth Good versus The Republic of Botswana at its 47 Ordinary Session held in The Gambia
from 12 to 26 May 2010.
Kenneth Good was a lecturer in Political Science at the University of Botswana, until his employment was terminated, following his
deportation from Botswana on 31 May 2005. He often commented on issues concerning human rights, democracy and the need for
responsible citizenship in Botswana. He was declared a prohibited immigrant by President Mogae in February 2005. He unsuccessfully
challenged this declaration before the courts of Botswana. DITSHWANELO was accepted by the Court of Appeal as an amicus curiae in
the appeal stage of the case of the court. Amicus curiae is the Latin for ‘friend of the court’. It is a status which the Court grants to
individuals or organisations who are not official parties to a legal matter. This enables them to present arguments in that legal matter.
The ACHPR, of which Botswana is a member, stated in its decision in the case that Botswana “should take steps to ensure that Sections
7 (f), 11(6) and 36 of the Botswana Immigration Act and its practices conform to international human rights standards, in particular, the
African Charter”. These provisions prohibit any court from questioning the adequacy of the President’s declaration. They also prevent
persons who are declared ‘prohibited immigrants’ from having a hearing or questioning the ground on which the declaration was made.
DITSHWANELO supports this position of the ACHPR on the Immigration Act.
In 2005, DITSHWANELO issued four (4) press statements concerning these provisions in the Good case. On the 1 June 2005
DITSHWANELO called for a review of ‘’the entire process for declaring persons prohibited immigrants”. In a functioning democracy,
there needs to be transparency concerning the parameter of what is ‘national interest’. We noted and continue to note that there was and
is need for The Immigration Act to be amended. The President's sole discretion in declaring persons prohibited immigrants and not being
required to provide reasons for his decision, undermines the fundamental rules of natural justice and human rights. Anyone accused of
an offence has the right to present his or her side of the story (audi alteram partem rule).
On 1 June 2005 “DITSHWANELO also renewed its call for the Government of Botswana to implement its international treaty obligations
by domesticating their provisions into domestic law”. The same concern was raised by DITSHWANELO before the United Nations
Human Rights Committee in March 2008. In its press statement on 9 October 2009 DITSHWANELO referred to the need for
constitutional review.
DITSHWANELO calls on the Attorney General’s Chambers to take careful note of this decision. We encourage The Government of
Botswana to take steps to ensure that the laws of Botswana conform to the development of an open and democratic society, guided by
minimum human rights standards, as envisioned in Vision 2016.
Click here to read more »
DEAF OVER DEATH
Posted by FRANCINAH BAAITSE on June 11, 2010
But patient plans suing doctors who saved his life with medication that disabled him
Up until he was given what he perceives to be wrong medication, Joel* had a perfect hearing. He was only 38 year of age when he
entered Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone extremely sick but hearing clearly.
He was HIV positive, and was also diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB). He was hospitalized and it was during that time, between 2006
and 2007 that Joel says he was given wrong medication.
“They presumed that I had multi resistant TB and gave me amikacid injection. Four days after the medication, I went deaf, but when I
reported it to the nurses I was told it would improve within days,” said Joel, whose name has been changed to protect his identity
because had not gone public with his HIV.
A husband and father of two, Joel, says he never really suffered from a multi resistant TB.
“Because I did not heal well from the first TB treatment, the doctors presumed that I had the MDR TB and Pneumonia and gave
medication that was just too strong for me and now I am deaf and could not keep my job,” he further lamented.
Although doctors contended that they had to assume his illness because his condition was a matter of life and death, the former furniture
sales representative says he could have been allowed to make his choice.
He is now planning to sue the hospital.
“I want either cochlear implant (a surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly
deaf or severely hard of hearing) or money because I have lost a lot financially. I lost my job and I have to struggle to put food on the
table because government officers presumed I needed a certain medicine and handicapped my hearing. It was not misdiagnose but rather
negligence on the part of the hospital,” he explained.
According to Joel’s medical records, he was admitted in hospital in December 2006, with a CD4 count at 150 and doctors presumed
that he had drug resistant tuberculosis.
“He was critically sick and due to his complicated TB condition, the doctors presumed he had a multi resistant TB and treated him with
among other, third line treatment for Tuberculosis, Amikacid… The patient was in such a state that there was no other choice than to
treat him with this drug.” wrote Dr Thomas Schwartz, a Physician at the hospital in April 2008 in Joel’s illness certification.
Schwartz further indicated that Joel received the medication for a total six weeks and it was then withdrawn due to Psychiatric side
effects.
Although Schwartz asserted that deafness and psychiatric effects are well known side effects of Amikacid, Joel said he was never told
of the effects of the drug before it was administered and that his wife who was in a good state of health was neither informed.
Joel sustained a permanent hearing loss of both ears in April 2007. A trial with a hearing could not improve his hearing. He can only
communicate with people who talk slow with good liparticulation that he can lip-read. Otherwise he relies on written communication of
other people.
He had written letters complaining to the hospital management, the Ministry of Health, the Ombudsman and even to Botswana Network
of Ethics Law and AIDS (BONELA) about what he termed, “negligence by the hospital.”
Click here to read more>>
Posted by FRANCINAH BAAITSE on June 11, 2010
But patient plans suing doctors who saved his life with medication that disabled him
Up until he was given what he perceives to be wrong medication, Joel* had a perfect hearing. He was only 38 year of age when he
entered Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone extremely sick but hearing clearly.
He was HIV positive, and was also diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB). He was hospitalized and it was during that time, between 2006
and 2007 that Joel says he was given wrong medication.
“They presumed that I had multi resistant TB and gave me amikacid injection. Four days after the medication, I went deaf, but when I
reported it to the nurses I was told it would improve within days,” said Joel, whose name has been changed to protect his identity
because had not gone public with his HIV.
A husband and father of two, Joel, says he never really suffered from a multi resistant TB.
“Because I did not heal well from the first TB treatment, the doctors presumed that I had the MDR TB and Pneumonia and gave
medication that was just too strong for me and now I am deaf and could not keep my job,” he further lamented.
Although doctors contended that they had to assume his illness because his condition was a matter of life and death, the former furniture
sales representative says he could have been allowed to make his choice.
He is now planning to sue the hospital.
“I want either cochlear implant (a surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly
deaf or severely hard of hearing) or money because I have lost a lot financially. I lost my job and I have to struggle to put food on the
table because government officers presumed I needed a certain medicine and handicapped my hearing. It was not misdiagnose but rather
negligence on the part of the hospital,” he explained.
According to Joel’s medical records, he was admitted in hospital in December 2006, with a CD4 count at 150 and doctors presumed
that he had drug resistant tuberculosis.
“He was critically sick and due to his complicated TB condition, the doctors presumed he had a multi resistant TB and treated him with
among other, third line treatment for Tuberculosis, Amikacid… The patient was in such a state that there was no other choice than to
treat him with this drug.” wrote Dr Thomas Schwartz, a Physician at the hospital in April 2008 in Joel’s illness certification.
Schwartz further indicated that Joel received the medication for a total six weeks and it was then withdrawn due to Psychiatric side
effects.
Although Schwartz asserted that deafness and psychiatric effects are well known side effects of Amikacid, Joel said he was never told
of the effects of the drug before it was administered and that his wife who was in a good state of health was neither informed.
Joel sustained a permanent hearing loss of both ears in April 2007. A trial with a hearing could not improve his hearing. He can only
communicate with people who talk slow with good liparticulation that he can lip-read. Otherwise he relies on written communication of
other people.
He had written letters complaining to the hospital management, the Ministry of Health, the Ombudsman and even to Botswana Network
of Ethics Law and AIDS (BONELA) about what he termed, “negligence by the hospital.”
Click here to read more>>
| Click map for larger view |
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Seretse Khama Ian Khama
President since 1 April 2008
President since 1 April 2008
Mompati Merafhe
Vice President since 1 April 2008
Vice President since 1 April 2008
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
