2014 and decreased to-0.3 per cent in 20152 However, a projection expects GDP
growth to decline and is expected to decrease to 4.8% by 20173.
The revenues from the mining sector, beef and tourism have enabled the country to
invest in improving the citizenry’s quality of life, thereby contributing to reduction
of absolute poverty, especially amongst women and girls.
B. MEASURES OF IMPLEMENTATION
In the period under review, Botswana has commendable progress in the realisation
of the rights and liberties enshrined in the African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights. Like any other country, the global economic and financial crisis
has adversely affected strategic areas of social development that could have further
advanced human rights in Botswana.
Since the last reporting period, the following legislation was passed and other
enabling measures were put in place in support of human rights as espoused in the
African Charter:
LEGISLATIVE MEASURES
The Companies and Intellectual Property Authority Act, 2011, which establishes
the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority in Botswana.
The Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Amendment Act, 2012, which establishes
the Copyright Office and its functions;
The Public Health Act, 2013, which consolidated and amend the law relating to
public health;
The Legal Aid Act 2013, which provides for the establishment of the body
mandated with providing access to justice by indigent persons in Botswana. Legal
Aid Botswana renders legal advice, legal representation and conducts public
awareness campaigns to clients. The Act came into operation in 2015.
2
See 2015 Budget Speech
3
See International Monetary Fund (IMF), 2014 Botswana Article IV Surveillance Report (July
2014) and “Stats Brief –June 2014”, Statistics Botswana.
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