Minority Rights

Since independence in 1966, Botswana has been hailed as a shining example of democracy in Africa where rights and freedoms of individuals relating to race, colour or creed, tribe, place of origin, national or ethnic identity, social origin, political opinion, sex, language, and religion are guaranteed under the Constitution.

Nevertheless, DITSHWANELO - The Botswana Centre for Human Rights has acknowledged a growing concern over issue of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and other related intolerances. Minority ethnic groups such as the Basarwa continue to be marginalised and do not have effective representation in local or national government structures. In May 2000, The Balopi Commission was set up to investigate allegations that sections 77, 78 and 79 of the Constitution are discriminatory, promote tribalism and should be repealed. These sections of the Constitution only recognise representation in the House of Chiefs of eight (8) ethnic groups, viz: Bakgatla, Bakwena, Bamalete, Bamangwato, Bangwaketse, Barolong, Batawana and Batlokwa tribes. The minority ethnic groups are subsumed under these eight major ethnic groups.

There has been an increase in lobbying and advocacy for minority rights as well as an increase in public opinion expressed about Ethnicity and Tribalism through the media and in the public arena. 

DITSHWANELO believes that these are issues which require serious attention. We believe that it is important to locate the current debates within the context of the history of Botswana, its peoples, its cultures and in relation to The Balopi Commission.

DITSHWANELO recognises that:

a. Racism, discrimination and xenophobia exist in Botswana.

i. Inequalities exacerbated by racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia are in direct conflict with Botswana's Democratic system and the basic human rights enshrined in the Constitution of Botswana.

ii. Racism, discrimination and xenophobia threaten the stability of the country and the region. 

For these reasons, we held a Focus Seminar on Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerances, in April 2001, in preparation for the World Conference Against Racism. We held a follow-up Seminar on Ethnicity and Tribalism in Botswana in October 2001, as the first of a series of fora to deal with issues which arose at the World Conference Against Racism and their relevance for Botswana.

At the seminars and especially at the one held in October 2001 on Ethnicity and Tribalism, it was clear that the issue of ethnicity was a sensitive and emotive one and that it was necessary to find peaceful means of resolving the ethnic tensions which have been mounting in the Country.

DITSHWANELO believes that there is a need to harness the momentum and channel the tensions in a positive direction. We also recognise that there is lack of information on International and Regional Instruments and Systems in Botswana. This area has not been an area of focus for the Non-governmental Organisations. Consequently, DITSHWANELO held a seminar for minority ethnic groups in Botswana, training them on the use of International and Regional Instruments and Systems. The seminar also focused on the provisions of the Constitution that are said to be discriminatory and which are said to be promoting tribalism and explored possible solutions based on International and Regional instruments.

Press Releases

Publications

DITSHWANELO's Statement at the 37th Session of the African Commission of Human and People's Rights - 28 April 2005

African Commission Statement by DITSHWANELO - 2002

CERD (Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination) Concluding Observations on Botswana - 2002

CERD Alternative Report - 2002, by DITSHWANELO

Report of Seminar on Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance - 2001

Links

IUCN-Botswana World Conservation Union

KCS Kalahari Conservation Society

MRG Minority Rights Group, International

WIMSA Working Group for Indigenous Minorities in Southern Africa