Statement by India during the Interactive Dialogue in the 4th Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Botswana in the 43rd Session of the UPR Working Group (1-12 May 2023) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 3 May 2023
Mr. Vice-President,
We warmly welcome the presentation by delegation of Botswana.
2. We commend Botswana for its efforts to promote and protect human rights since the last review, including its accession to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, establishment of the National Gender Commission and launch of the latest National Strategic Plan to Reduce Human Rights – Related Barriers to HIV and TB Services.
3. In the spirit of constructive engagement, India recommends the following to Botswana:
i. Consider ratifying the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights;
ii. Consider expediting operationalisation of the Office of the Ombudsman as a National Human Rights Institution, in accordance with Paris Principles; and,
iii. Continue with the policy and legislative measures and raising public awareness for combating gender-based violence, including access to safe reproductive health services.
4. We wish the delegation of Botswana success in its review.
I thank you.
