SEATTLE — Though many other African nations still struggle with rampant violence and regime changes that often lead to major human rights violations, human rights in Botswana are firmly respected. Since achieving independence from Great Britain in 1966, Botswana has maintained stable transitions of power for more than 50 years. In recent years, Botswana has been working to eliminate all human rights violations within its borders. Though there are still things that need to change to achieve this goal, Botswana is on its way.
Despite Botswana’s strong stance on most human rights, the nation still has challenges to overcome. Of particular concern is Botswana’s continued criminalization of ‘unnatural acts’, which are widely thought to be targeting LGBT individuals. Though a law was recently passed banning discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation, LGBT individuals still face both governmental and public discrimination.
Botswana also fails to recognize spousal rape or domestic violence as criminal offenses, though it recognizes non-spousal rape/domestic violence as such. According to a 2012 study by the Ministry of Labor, nearly 30 percent of women had experienced gender-based violence in the past year, with around 45 percent of men admitting to having committed violence against a woman in their lifetime.
The U.S. 2015 Human Rights Report notes that the following important human rights in Botswana are being protected and promoted by Botswanan law:
- freedom of the press (though the state government controls a large portion of the media)
- prohibition of unlawful arrest and detention
- freedom of assembly and association
- refugee rights
- rights to electoral participation in free elections
- gender equality
The Botswanan government is currently butting heads with China over the upcoming visit of the Dalai Lama to Botswana. The Dalai Lama, who China views very unfavorably due to his endorsement of Tibet’s freedom from China, is to travel to Botswana for a human rights conference in August.
Botswana’s government insists that the Dalai Lama’s visit is private and not sanctioned by the state, and it seems to have no plans to stop the religious figure’s visit. The outcome of the Dalai Lama’s visit remains to be seen.
Amnesty International praises Botswana for its public stance on human rights issues, stating, “Botswana frequently speaks out against human rights, justice and democratic abuses across the African continent, often one of the only regional voices to take such a stand.”
– Erik Halberg
Photo: Flickr