Botswana intensifies human trafficking fight
Pini Bothoko | Monday March 23, 2026 06:00
Addressing Parliament last week, he described it as a complex transnational organised crime that requires strengthened regional and international cooperation. When presenting his Ministry's Committee of Supply, Ramaotwana revealed that Botswana has made significant progress towards ratifying and domesticating the SADC’s Protocol Against Trafficking in Persons.
He said the protocol provides a comprehensive framework for cooperation amongst member states in preventing and combating trafficking, protecting and assisting victims, and prosecuting offenders.
Once fully implemented, it is expected to enhance Botswana’s capacity to collaborate with neighbouring countries in dismantling cross-border trafficking networks.
In a major step forward, the Minister revealed that the ministry, with support from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has transitioned from policy development to full-scale implementation of four key human trafficking operational frameworks.
These, he said, include Standard Operating Procedures, a National Referral Mechanism, a Communication Strategy, and a Trainer of Trainers Guide.
He told legislators that the frameworks have strengthened coordination amongst institutions, clarified roles, and improved victim-centred responses nationwide.
To further strengthen efforts, Ramaotwana disclosed that the ministry has intensified training for frontline service providers, including police officers, prosecutors, immigration officials and social workers.
He indicated that a total of 1,591 officers have been capacitated, significantly improving the detection, investigation and prosecution of trafficking cases.
Ramaotwana added that nationwide awareness campaigns are ongoing to educate the public on the dangers of human trafficking, available reporting mechanisms, and ways to reduce vulnerability, particularly among women and children.
On refugee management, the Minister said the government remains committed to upholding the welfare of recognised refugees and asylum seekers in line with international law and domestic statutes.
He highlighted the commencement of the Refugees Recognition and Management Act on November 1, 2025, noting that it aligns Botswana’s legal framework with international best practices, including the protection of refugee families and the strengthening of status determination processes.
Ramaotwana also informed Parliament that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has restructured its operations, closing its field office in Dukwi and shifting support to Pretoria, South Africa.
As a result, he said the Botswana government will assume greater responsibility for refugee welfare, including the procurement of food and non-food items, an adjustment reflected in the ministry’s increased 2026-2027 budget.
Addressing gender mainstreaming in the criminal justice system, the minister said the ministry has launched multi-sectoral Standard Operating Procedures for handling children’s cases, alongside a Judges’ Colloquium to refine these guidelines.
These initiatives, he revealed, form part of broader reforms aimed at establishing a child-friendly justice system that is more responsive, inclusive and sensitive to children’s needs.
He further noted progress in institutionalising gender mainstreaming through the development of Gender Mainstreaming Guidelines and an implementation plan.
He also pointed out that the ministry is rolling out these measures across the justice sector, with progress to be tracked through a Monitoring and Evaluation framework to ensure policies and services are equitable and responsive to all genders.
Meanwhile, Ramaotwana acknowledged limitations in government obligations under the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, which primarily covers basic education.
To bridge this gap, he said the ministry has partnered with tertiary institutions and the private sector to sponsor refugees for higher education, ensuring broader access to learning opportunities.
Overall, the minister said the ministry remains committed to building a justice system that prioritises protection, fairness, rehabilitation and human dignity, while strengthening Botswana’s capacity to respond to emerging challenges such as human trafficking and refugee management.