11 May 2025

The Ombudsman, Advocate Stephen Tiroyakgosi has underscored the need to mainstream a human right approach in public discourse in order to create an equitable society where everyone’s human rights are respected and protected.

Giving a keynote address at the Voices of Maun Convention held at Maun Lodge on Friday, the Ombudsman emphasised the need to increase knowledge and awareness of human rights.

He called for action and promoting an environment where all individuals were treated with dignity.

Advocate Tiroyakgosi said his office had powers and responsibilities set forth in the Ombudsman Act and that it might investigate any action taken by or on behalf of a government department in the exercise of administrative functions.

“The Ombudsman may investigate any action based on a complaint from a person claiming injustice or unfair treatment resulting from maladministration,” he said. 

Furthermore, he noted that the Ombudsman has the authority to probe violations of human rights brought to attention by individuals or through initiatives deemed necessary by the office itself, as outlined in Section 10 of the Ombudsman Act.

He said the  functions and powers of the Ombudsman were stipulated in the Act were of  international standards..

Advocate Tiroyakgosi also indicated that the act at Section 10 (3) also enjoined the Ombudsman to implement a continuing programme of research, education and information to enhance respect for human rights and to increase awareness and promote a human rights culture.

Furthermore, he said the office advised government on the ratification and implementation of human rights treaties and conventions.

He said it also promoted compliance with national laws that protect and promote the enjoyment of human rights as well as assisted government to monitor, address and report on human rights concerns at national and international level.

To guide these initiatives, Advocate Tiroyakgosi announced the adoption of a strategic plan for 2024-2029, outlining the organisation’s key goals and objectives. He highlighted four thematic priority areas in their human rights efforts: a healthy and clean environment; inclusivity, encompassing ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community; business and human rights; and issues concerning children, women, and gender.

“Our commitment is to be a thought and discussion leader in the human rights landscape in Botswana, and we have actively engaged in numerous human rights initiatives,” he stated, referencing the recent celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights under the theme “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All.”

In December 2024, he said his office led the celebration of International Human Rights Day at the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in collaboration with the Office of the President. He emphasised that discussions surrounding human rights should always reflect the core pillars of dignity, justice, equality, and the brotherhood of mankind.

“We continue to engage with all in that context and we have engaged with others before such as UNICEF, UNDP, National Children’s Council, LGBTQ+ community, organisations of the disabled, public authorities and others to discuss issues of human rights from various perspectives, include non-discrimination in service provision and, access to public facilities,” he said.

Earlier in the convention, Principal Legal Investigator from the Ombudsman’s office in Maun, Mr Mompati Setlhabi, reinforced the necessity of approaching human rights issues with constructive dialogue and engagement. ENDS