Basarwa remain sidelined -UN

The United Nations Special Rapporteur in Minorities Fernand de Varennes has cautioned Botswana government to step up efforts to recognize and protect the rights of minorities in relation to public services, land and resource use and most importantly the use of minority languages in education and other critical areas. Fernand de Varennes, has been in Botswana from 13 to 24 August 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. Sharing preliminary findings and recommendations at a media briefing at the United Nations Building in Gaborone on Friday, Dr de Varennes said although Botswana has made considerable progress in economic development and other areas including education and literacy, religious freedom, the fight against HIV/ AIDS, more still needs to be done for minority groups. He said minorities face many obstacles and therefore access to public services, land and the use of resources for minorities can be improved as well as the use of minority languages in education and public health areas. The UN expert who was in Botswana for period of twelve (12) days to assess the minority’s issues further said: “The overall…