GABORONE - Botswana must urgently address the continuing marginalisation of Indigenous Peoples, including the lack of constitutional recognition, forced relocation from ancestral lands and barriers to accessing justice, education and basic services, a UN expert said today, while acknowledging a marked and positive shift in government policy on the rights of the country's indigenous communities.
In a statement at the end of his country visit to Botswana, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Albert K. Barume, acknowledged the political will expressed by the President and other senior government figures to address the issue, and urged the government to match that outlook with a clear strategic vision, adequate budgetary resources and effective implementation to secure the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
"While the Government has demonstrated openness and a willingness to engage, constitutional and legal recognition of Indigenous Peoples remains absent," the Special Rapporteur said. "Without such recognition, many communities continue to face systemic obstacles that undermine their cultural survival and participation in national life."
Throughout his visit, Barume said he heard repeated concerns from Indigenous communities about discrimination, loss of dignity, and difficulties exercising land and resource rights despite court rulings in their favour.
Access to land and resources emerged as a critical issue, particularly in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, where communities reported persistent obstacles to returning to and sustaining livelihoods on their ancestral lands. The Special Rapporteur urged the Government to guarantee essential services for those wishing to return and strengthen benefit-sharing from natural resource management.
"While the Government reaffirmed its commitment to implement the High Court ruling in favour of the San in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, communities reported persistent obstacles to exercising their land rights and sustaining traditional livelihoods," he said.
The expert also highlighted the urgent need to protect Indigenous languages and cultures, to address systemic barriers to education-including risks faced by Indigenous girls in hostels-and to ensure equal access to justice, including through translation services in courts. He expressed concern about exploitative practices on private farms, including reports of child labour, and urged targeted action in line with Botswana's obligations under ILO conventions. He reiterated the importance of ensuring free, prior and informed consent in extractive industries and energy projects.
Barume acknowledged several recent steps by the Government, including the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Indigenous rights and the President's personal history of engagement in landmark land and water rights cases. He hailed the decision to allow the burial of a San elder on ancestral land after a long legal dispute.
"Botswana's growing regional leadership in human rights is commendable, and I encourage international partners to support both the Government and Indigenous communities in advancing justice, dignity and equality," he said.
The Special Rapporteur expressed appreciation to the Government of Botswana for its cooperation during the visit, as well as to Indigenous communities, civil society, and UN partners who contributed to the mission. His itinerary included meetings in Gaborone, Ghanzi, Maun, Nata and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, and visits to several Indigenous communities.
Barume will present a full report on his visit to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2026.
