15 Jan 2018

Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu is in Geneva, Switzerland for the 29th Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group held from January 14-20.

A press release from the ministry states that Mr Batshu is expected to present the third national report on the Review of Botswana, which was prepared in consultation with Non-Governmental Organisations and other interest groups.

The release says other than Botswana, 13 other countries will voluntarily deliver their National Human Rights Reports, namely France, Romania, Tonga, Mali, Bahamas, Luxembourg, Burundi, Montenegro, Israel, Liechtenstein, United Arab Emirates and Serbia.

It also states that Botswana voluntarily took part in the First (2008) and Second Cycles (2013).

Again, it says Botswana places great importance on the Human Rights Commission’s UPR mechanism.

This, it says is a mechanism where 193 United Nations members undergo a voluntary and periodic review process related to human rights in their respective countries, and allows UN members states to exchange views and make human rights recommendations to each other in a constructive and equal manner.

Further, it states that Botswana’s participation in the UPR is evidence of the strength of government’s commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country.

This, it says also reflects government openness regarding human rights situation in the country as well as strong commitment to pushing for respect for human rights at national, regional and global levels.

Mr Batshu and his delegation are expected back home on January 21. ENDS