VP: Sex work criminalisation, adolescent HIV-testing consent need review

Speaking at the commemoration of World AIDS Day in Tlokweng on Sunday, the VP explained that if left unattended, those issues would continue to make certain segments of the population vulnerable to HIV infections and defeat the country’s efforts to fight against HIV and AIDS. He added that the country made significant strides regarding interventions related to human rights programming. He said they conducted a Legal Environment Assessment (LEA) on HIV, Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) and AIDS in 2017, which looked into all regulatory frameworks that impede access to HIV/Sexual Reproductive Health/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support services.

"Overall, the assessment revealed that Botswana has progressive laws and policies that support the rights of citizens. The LEA assessment recommended that collaboration between stakeholders such as lawmakers, the judiciary, the police, traditional leaders, and private legal practitioners must be strengthened to remove human rights barriers. The assessment, furthermore, called for the provision of pro bono legal services to the less privileged members of society, reduction of gender and social inequalities in our communities to curb HIV and AIDS incidents."