The United Nations is calling on the Botswana government to intensify efforts to address the marginalization of its indigenous peoples, following a visit by Special Rapporteur Albert K. Barume. During his observation from September 1 to 12, Barume engaged with President Duma Boko and various governmental and community representatives, leading to a critical report urging strategic action and budget allocation for indigenous rights.
Despite strides in promoting rights for the indigenous populace, the report reveals persistent challenges faced by groups such as the San, who represent approximately 3% of Botswana’s population. Barume highlights issues arising from a lack of clear legal understanding of “indigenous peoples,” creating barriers to the implementation of their rights. Although most of the Batswana majority are native to the land, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights clarifies that they do not fit the formal definition of “indigenous peoples.”
This legal ambiguity reportedly results in discrimination, with children from indigenous communities experiencing ridicule and shame in schools for their cultural identities. Parents expressed distress over their children needing to hide their heritage from peers, a sentiment echoed by Dr. Barume during his visit. The report advocates for educating the wider population to diminish prejudice against these communities.
Further recommendations include the constitutional recognition of indigenous status and strengthening legal protections. This progress aligns with Botswana’s recent ratification of ILO Convention No. 169, affirming a commitment to safeguarding the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples internationally. Barume points out additional hurdles such as limited access to land, resources, and political representation, alongside the erosion of cultural identities.
Indigenous leaders voice particular concerns over systemic exclusion from governmental services, with one San representative lamenting the exclusionary nature of development policies. In response, the Botswana government has formed an inter-ministerial committee to work on these challenges and is considering lifting hunting bans that affect indigenous groups economically and culturally.
Barume’s detailed findings and recommendations will be formally presented to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2026. The response from Botswana’s administration and subsequent policy developments will play a critical role in altering the systemic barriers faced by indigenous communities in the country. Further details can be found in the report published by JURIST.