Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 43rd Session

Universal Periodic Review of Botswana

3 May 2023

Statement by Australia

Thank you, [President/Vice President]

Australia commends Botswana for its commitment to human rights, and we welcome the Government’s commitment to decriminalise same-sex relations.

We acknowledge Botswana’s proud history of free and fair elections and note the importance of freedom of expression in maintaining a robust constitutional democracy, particularly in the lead up to Botswana’s next general election.

Australia recommends Botswana:

1. Abolish the death penalty.
2. Continue work to eliminate gender-based violence, including through education programs aimed at preventing violence.
3. Encourage efforts to promote and protect the human rights of Indigenous Peoples.