GABORONE (Botswana): A United Nations human rights expert has called on the Botswana government to adopt a clear strategy and dedicated funding to tackle persistent marginalization of indigenous communities, particularly the San, whose voices and rights remain constrained despite some progress.
During a 12-day mission across Botswana late last year, Albert K. Barume, the UN Special Rapporteur on indigenous rights, met President Duma Boko, government ministers and representatives of indigenous groups to assess the situation of indigenous peoples and produce a comprehensive report. Barume’s findings, released following the visit, paint a picture of ongoing exclusion and discrimination that affects social, cultural and economic participation for these communities.
Barume’s report highlights confusion over the legal definition of “indigenous peoples” in Botswana, where the majority ethnic group also self-identifies as indigenous. This ambiguity has, according to the rapporteur, hindered understanding and implementation of protections for groups such as the San, who constitute around 3 % of the population and are historically rooted in the region. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, however, maintains that the ethnic majority does not fall within the technical definition of indigenous peoples, complicating advocacy and legal recognition.
Accounts gathered during the mission reveal widespread experiences of discrimination. Many indigenous children reportedly feel compelled to hide their identities in schools to avoid ridicule because of their accents, clothing and languages. Such experiences contribute to a profound sense of shame and alienation from mainstream society, Barume noted.
The report urges that indigenous status be enshrined in Botswana’s constitution and recognized formally in national law, addressing a core gap that has left indigenous peoples without clear legal protections and representation. Although Botswana has recently ratified International Labor Organization Convention No. 169, which sets standards for the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples, enforcement and tangible benefits on the ground remain limited.
Barume detailed additional barriers facing indigenous communities, including restricted access to land and natural resources, limited government representation, lack of acknowledgment of customary practices, and threats to cultural identity. He also underscored how many feel excluded from essential public services, particularly in education, with one community spokesperson describing national development policies as seemingly designed without their input or consideration.
In response to the critique, Botswana’s government has established an inter-ministerial committee to examine the challenges faced by indigenous peoples and is reportedly considering lifting hunting bans that affect the cultural and economic practices of these groups. Authorities have signaled a willingness to engage with issues raised but have yet to articulate a comprehensive plan for constitutional recognition or broader implementation of the rapporteur’s recommendations.
Indigenous rights activists and international observers have long called attention to Botswana’s approach to its first peoples. The government does not officially recognize specific ethnic groups as indigenous, instead asserting that all citizens are indigenous. This stance has drawn criticism from rights groups and international bodies, which argue that it obscures the unique historical and cultural identities of groups like the San, Balala and Nama, and undermines efforts to protect their rights and access to resources.
Barume’s full report is expected to be presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council during his next scheduled visit in 2026. Its publication is likely to intensify scrutiny on Botswana’s human rights record and could shape future policy debates on inclusion, constitutional reform and minority protections.
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