The UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Albert K. Barume, will undertake an official visit to Botswana from 1 to 12 September 2025. His mission will focus on examining a wide range of issues impacting Indigenous Peoples, including land and resource rights, access to justice, equality and non-discrimination, participation in decision-making, violence against Indigenous women and girls, the preservation of Indigenous languages, education, culture, business and human rights, as well as the effects of climate change and environmental challenges.
During the visit, Barume will travel across several regions of the country, including Gaborone in the South-East District, Kgalagadi District, Ghanzi District, North-West (Ngamiland) District, Central District, and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. These locations will allow him to gain a direct understanding of the situation of Indigenous communities in diverse settings.
The Special Rapporteur will engage with government officials, representatives of Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, civil society groups, academics, and UN agencies. He will also meet with Indigenous communities to hear their concerns and priorities firsthand, ensuring that their voices are central to his assessment.
At the conclusion of his visit, Barume will hold a press conference at the UN Building in Gaborone to present his preliminary findings and recommendations. Access to the event will be limited to accredited journalists, with prior registration required.
The insights gathered during the mission will form the basis of a comprehensive report, which Barume is scheduled to present to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2026. This report will provide an in-depth evaluation of the situation of Indigenous Peoples in Botswana and offer recommendations for advancing their rights and protections.
