x.
xi.
xii.
initiatives with the aim of reducing inequalities in the opportunities and outcomes
of social, economic, cultural and legal development for both men and women;
The National Operational Plan (2015) to operationalize the NPGAD Policy;
The Botswana National Policy on Disability (2015) which aims at promoting and
protecting the dignity of people with disabilities and creating a barrier free society;
and
The Botswana National E-Government Strategy launched in 2010 with the view of
improving the convenience, quality and efficiency of public service sector delivery
in Botswana.
CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS
Access to and administration of justice
13. The Commission:
i. Takes note of the introduction of the Judicial Case Management System in 2010 to
deal with the backlog of cases;
ii. Welcomes the establishment of Legal Aid Botswana, following enactment of the
Legal Aid Act in 2013, which provides legal assistance to indigent persons in civil
cases, and to accused persons in capital offence cases;
iii. Commends the following measures taken to increase access to the courts:
(i) Introduction of Mobile Courts, particularly in areas where long distance limits
access to the courts; and
(ii) Introduction of Specialized Courts to dispense justice expeditiously, including
the Small Claims Courts, Traffic Courts, Stock Theft Courts, Corruption
Courts and Child Maintenance Courts.
The right to participate in the conduct of public affairs
14. The Commission commends the following initiatives adopted by the Independent
Electoral Commission:
i.
ii.
iii.
The creation of Democratic Youth Clubs (DYC) in secondary schools;
Transcription of instructions into braille to enable voters with visual impairments
to read for themselves, in order to enhance the secrecy of the ballot; and
Introduction of a ‘help-desk’ at each polling station to assist voters.
Refugees, IDPs and Migrants
15. The Commission commends the measure taken in 2010 of posting a resident doctor to
the Dukwi Refugee Camp, to deal with the health needs of the refugee community.
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
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