General facts

Botswana’s Stance on Key Human Rights Issues

Democratic Rights

• Botswana is one of Africa’s most stable democracies, holding regular multi-party elections since independence in 1966.

• It has a strong record of political stability, rule of law, and press freedom, ranking relatively high on democratic indices in Africa.

• However, challenges include concerns over political opposition restrictions, limited media freedom, and low voter turnout in recent elections.

• The country continues to emphasize good governance, transparency, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

Women’s Rights

• Botswana has made progress in advancing gender equality, but challenges remain.

• Women can vote and run for office, but female representation in government remains low.

• The country has laws against gender-based violence, but domestic violence and economic inequality persist.

• In 2020, Botswana passed a law allowing married women to own land independently, a significant step toward women’s economic empowerment.

LGBTQ+ Rights

• Botswana has taken significant steps toward LGBTQ+ rights in recent years.

• In 2019, the High Court decriminalized same-sex relationships, marking a historic ruling for LGBTQ+ rights in Africa.

• Despite this progress, societal discrimination remains, and same-sex marriage is not yet legal.

• The government has committed to promoting inclusivity while balancing cultural perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues.