UN expert visits Botswana to assess rights of minorities

Fernand de Varennes
Fernand de Varennes

The UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Fernand de Varennes, is in Botswana from August 13 to 24 to gather first-hand information on the situation of minorities in the country, and to identify good practices as well as key areas that require more effort, the UN Human Rights office in Gaborone has announced.

The press statement says as required by his mandate, de Varennes will examine how the state is implementing the 1992 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities through legislation, policy and practice.

“I will have the opportunity to assess the legislative and institutional framework for the promotion and protection of the human rights of minorities in Botswana, and will consult with a variety of people over specific policies and initiatives to ensure the country’s compliance with its international obligations,” de Varennes is quoted as saying. 

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