Press Release

From: The Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana – LEGABIBO

Botswana 3rd UPR Cycle: More than 10 countries ask Botswana to protect LGBT

Botswana’s human rights record was assessed at the 3rd Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva, Switzerland. Botswana was commended by member states for the progress they have made in upholding the human rights of LGBT. With particular reference to the registration of LEGABIBO and according transgender persons the right to change their gender marker.

More than 10 recommendations specific to LGBT human rights were made to Botswana, and these include; the recommendation for Botswana to enact laws that protect LGBT persons against hate speech and hate crimes, enact laws that enable transgender persons to change their gender marker and to explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity as listed grounds of non-discrimination.

LEGABIBO is very happy with recommendations made to Botswana by the member states and ensuring that there is visibility of LGBT human rights, this is one of the ways in which member states can ensure that individual member states protect the human right of LGBT persons.

The LGBT community in Botswana would also like thank Botswana for the efforts they have made so far to protect LGBT rights, the community also hopes that the Government would adopt the recommendations and work with LGBT organizations to implement the these.

For further information, please contact LEGABIBO on +267 75 922 403 / +267 71 340 794, or email us at [email protected] / [email protected]