15 Oct 2025

The United Nations resident coordinator in Botswana, Ms Wenyan Yang, has called on Botswana to acced to critical international human rights treaties of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. 

Speaking at a national consultation held in Gaborone on October 13, Ms  Yang, emphasised the importance of embedding these treaties into Botswana’s national development strategies to ensure that, “no one is left behind.” 

“These actions will reaffirm Botswana’s values of equality, justice and shared humanity, they will also strengthen its standing as a regional leader in human rights,” said Ms Yang. 

She highlighted that accession to the ICESCR would reinforce Botswana’s international credibility, improve monitoring and reporting mechanisms and unlock access to global partnerships and technical support. 

“Acceding to the ICESCR is not just a legal step, it is a strategic investment in Botswana’s future, it will promote prosperity for all by embedding rights-based accountability into national plans such as Vision 2036 and the broader economic transformation agenda,” she said. 

She said the ICESCR ensured equal attention to fundamental economic, social and cultural rights, including education, healthcare, decent work, housing and an adequate standard of living. 

These rights, Ms Yang noted, were essential for dignity and were key to reducing poverty, inequality and social exclusion. 

She pointed out that so far, 173 countries had ratified the ICESCR, adding that in Southern Africa, Botswana, Comoros and Mozambique remained the only countries yet to do so. 

Further,  Ms Yang called on government to also accede to the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, describing statelessness as a ‘fundamental human rights crisis’ that left millions of people worldwide invisible and vulnerable. 

“Stateless individuals often face relentless isolation, poverty and stigma because they are not recognised as nationals by any state, legal identity is not just a technical issue, it is central to dignity, access to services and national development,” she said. 

She commended Botswana for aligning its national legislation with international norms and for previously acceding to the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons. 

However, she stressed that it was now time to take the next step by joining the 1961 Convention and implementing the Draft National Action Plan to end and prevent statelessness. 

Ms Yang pledged support of the United Nations in Botswana through technical assistance, capacity building and policy dialogue to help translate treaty commitments into real improvements in people’s lives. 

Ministry for International Relations permanent secretary, Mr Thuso Ramodimoosi reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to international cooperation and human rights. 

“Botswana remains dedicated to upholding human rights obligations and fostering international partnerships,” he said. ENDS