As Botswana celebrates 60 years of independence, the United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) kicked off the Diamond Jubilee commemoration with the FAO Green Cities Initiative, reaffirming their commitment to supporting a greener, healthier, and more resilient future for all Batswana. At the heart of the initiative was the donation of 400 citrus trees, to be planted at clinics, parks and schools. The trees represent more than a greener Gaborone, they are an investment in food security, healthier communities and a more sustainable future. The tree planting was followed by the Mayor’s Green Cities Drive Walk from Old Naledi to Village Park, an initiative bringing together Government, development partners, local authorities and communities in building healthier and more sustainable urban spaces.Speaking at the launch, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms. Wenyan Yang highlighted the significance of the initiative as Botswana reflects on six decades of nation-building and looks ahead to the next chapter of its development journey. “Planting trees to celebrate Botswana's six decades of progress is fittingly symbolic – trees draw nutrients from the earth, combine them with energy of the sun to grow. They are symbols of deep-rooted growth, hope and possibility. What we plant today is a celebration of progress, partnership and a promise of future growth. This forms part of the broader UN Botswana Diamond Jubilee commemoration plans and demonstrates One UN delivery and genuine partnership,” said Ms. Yang. The Minister of International Relations, Hon. Phenyo Butale, commended Gaborone City Council, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), development partners and communities for organising the initiative. Hon. Butale stated that “a clean city is a more resilient city,” emphasising that responsible citizens are essential partners in building sustainable communities. He noted that a green economy can contribute significantly to Botswana’s economic transformation, urging businesses to take responsibility for their environmental footprint. He called on everyone to renew their commitment to building not only a greener Gaborone, but a cleaner and more sustainable Botswana.The Mayor of Gaborone, His Worship Oarabile Motlaleng, said the walk was more than just a journey from one place to another. It showed shared commitment to building a greener, stronger and more sustainable Gaborone. He highlighted the importance of working together to address climate change and noted that the Green Cities Initiative, supported by the FAO of the United Nations, aims to improve green spaces and promote sustainable urban food production. The Mayor reminded everyone that building a greener city is a shared responsibility and that caring for our environment should be part of our everyday lives.The event forms part of the broader UN Botswana Diamond Jubilee commemorations and symbolizes the enduring partnership between Botswana and the United Nations. As Botswana enters its next 60 years of independence, the launch of the FAO Green Cities Initiative sends a strong message that environmental sustainability and inclusive development remain central to the country’s future aspirations.  Because every tree planted today is a step towards a greener, healthier and more food-secure tomorrow. 

For World Humanitarian Day, the experience of Botswana’s North East District offers a quieter view of humanitarian action: the work of protecting people before exploitation takes hold.World Humanitarian Day draws attention to people affected by crisis and to those working to protect life, dignity and safety. In Botswana’s North East District, that work also has a preventive dimension, particularly in communities where movement across borders is part of everyday life.Masunga lies within a part of the country where people routinely travel for work, trade and family reasons. On any given day, vehicles move between villages, border posts and nearby towns carrying traders, workers, students and families. Opportunity often arrives through movement. Increasingly, however, it can also arrive through a message on a phone, a social media advertisement or an offer that seems difficult to refuse.That mobility is not itself a risk. But it can create opportunities for others to take advantage of people searching for work or a better future.Human trafficking in Botswana does not necessarily begin with force. It can begin with an offer: employment, a scholarship, travel or another opportunity presented as a way forward. In the North East District, the concern is particularly relevant because of the area’s proximity to the international border and its exposure to trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants.The response therefore begins at an earlier point: when a person is still considering whether to accept an offer.At kgotlas in Tsamaya, Jackalas No. 1, Ramokgwebana and Matsiloje, residents discussed how trafficking occurs, how it differs from migrant smuggling and the signs that may indicate exploitation. In Ramokgwebana, residents were encouraged to verify employment offers before travelling, avoid surrendering identity documents to strangers and report suspicious recruitment or signs of exploitation through the appropriate channels.The conversations were local and practical. Rather than treating trafficking as something that happens elsewhere, they placed it within decisions people make every day: whether to travel for work, whom to trust and what to do when an opportunity comes from an unfamiliar source.In Masunga, Dikgosi, councillors, village leadership representatives and faith-based organisations took part in training on Botswana’s anti-trafficking framework, prevailing trends and the mechanisms available to support and refer victims. The training also considered the responsibilities of community leadership in reporting and prevention.That local role matters because concerns about trafficking may first emerge outside formal institutions. A family may hear about an unusual recruitment offer. A community leader may become aware of a pattern. A young person may be preparing to travel without a clear understanding of who has arranged the work.Recognising those signs early creates an opportunity to intervene before exploitation becomes more difficult to address.Behind the community discussions are the frontline professionals responsible for identifying and responding to trafficking cases. In Masunga, police officers, immigration officials, social workers, prosecutors and other officials strengthened their ability to recognise trafficking indicators, identify potential victims and coordinate referrals.Their role is particularly important in a district where legitimate movement and criminal exploitation can exist alongside one another.Trafficking and migrant smuggling are related but distinct. Smuggling generally concerns the facilitation of illegal border crossings, while trafficking involves exploitation through means that may include deception, coercion or force. A person may travel voluntarily and still become a victim of trafficking.Recognising that distinction is part of a wider protection system, one that depends on communities knowing what to look for, frontline institutions knowing how to respond and referral pathways being available when someone is identified as being at risk.IOM supported the Government of Botswana through technical assistance, capacity building, awareness raising and efforts to strengthen victim identification and referral pathways.For World Humanitarian Day, Masunga offers a reminder that humanitarian protection does not always begin when harm has already occurred. Sometimes it begins earlier, when a community member questions an offer, a traditional leader recognises a warning sign or a frontline officer knows how to respond when someone may be at risk.In a border community where movement is part of everyday life, that work helps ensure that the search for opportunity remains a pathway to a better future rather than an opening for exploitation.Written by: Yahya UqailiProject Development and Reporting Assistant at IOM Botswana

The United Nations in Botswana commends the Government of the Republic of Botswana for granting citizenship to 64 refugees on the commemoration of this year’s World Refugee Day and the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention in Dukwi Refugee Settlement.Botswana’s Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Major General (Rtd) Hon. Pius Mokgware handed over the citizenship certificates to individuals who have been residing in Botswana for decades without nationality documents. Hon. Ramaotwana Nelson Ramaotwana, Minister of Justice, and Hon. Lawrence Ookeditse, Assistant Minister of Health, were also in attendance.This is a milestone that reflects remarkable leadership, compassion, and commitment to inclusive development.By creating pathways to citizenship, Botswana is unlocking the full social and economic potential of individuals who are eager to contribute meaningfully to their communities.Speaking at the occasion, Minister Mokgware said, “This is a practical demonstration of the government's efforts to ensure that everyone is afforded the fullest protection available under the law.” He added that “Safety is not only about physical protection, but also about ensuring access to procedures and opportunities to have one’s voice heard. A decision that will unlock opportunities for them and directly contribute to the (World Refugee Day) theme until everyone is safe.”“This historic decision is a welcome step in ending the cycle of displacement for people who have lived in limbo for years and demonstrates Botswana’s exceptional leadership in ensuring solutions for people forced to flee,” said,Kavita Belani, Representative, UNHCR South Africa Multi-Country Office. “By enabling refugees to become citizens, Botswana is not only providing legal status but restoring dignity, fostering belonging, and opening pathways for individuals and families to fully participate in economic, social, cultural, and civic life.” said Belani.This step is closely aligned with the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency High Commissioner Barham Salih's vision of moving beyond care and maintenance toward durable solutions, where refugees are able to rebuild their lives with autonomy, security, and hope. It embodies the spirit of responsibility-sharing and demonstrates how progressive national action can advance global commitments under the Global Compact on Refugees.For years, UNHCR has worked closely with the Government of Botswana and partners on legal documentation that would grant citizenship for long-term refugees and prevent the risk of statelessness. UNHCR remains committed to advancing efforts that will strengthen refugee protection systems and expand access to durable solutions ensuring that safety, dignity, and opportunity become a reality for all.Botswana’s action also reflects the spirit of the Global Compact on refugees, promoting responsibility-sharing, inclusion, support to host communities, and sustainable solutions. It also underscores the country’s continued commitment to international and regional refugee protection frameworks.
 

The United Nations in Botswana has signed a Joint Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Response Programme with the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs (MYGA), a bold step to end violence and protect every citizen. Gender-based violence remains a harsh reality, with 1 in 3 women in Botswana having experienced violence in their lifetime. This programme is a clear commitment to changing that reality, for good.Built on a strong four-pillar approach, the programme will focus on:Strengthening laws, policies, and institutionsPrevention at community levelSurvivor-centered response servicesSupporting civil society and women’s movementsThis is not a journey for government alone. It is a whole-of-society effort, bringing together government, development partners, civil society, private sector, academia, traditional leaders and communities to drive meaningful, lasting change. Speaking at the forum, UN Resident Coordinator Ms Wenyan Yang commended MYGA and the Government of Botswana for their continued efforts in advancing gender equality and combating GBV. She said the statistics serve as a stark reminder that GBV remains a reality affecting families and communities, undermining dignity and perpetuating inequality.Ms Yang noted that the forum reflects a shared recognition that GBV is a significant barrier to sustainable development. She reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to supporting Botswana's efforts to address GBV, describing the fight against violence as a moral imperative.She further emphasized that partnerships are a cornerstone of meaningful change. Given the complex and multidimensional nature of GBV, she said collaboration among government institutions, non-governmental organisations, the private sector, and survivors is essential. She added that the UN will continue to support both GBV prevention initiatives and survivor assistance programmes.Ms Yang also called for increased investment in community-level prevention efforts, addressing the root causes of GBV, and strengthening data collection systems to inform interventions.For her part, Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Hon. Lesego Chombo, expressed appreciation to development partners, including the United Nations, diplomatic missions, and international organisations, for their continued support in advancing gender equality and combating GBV.She highlighted key achievements realized through collaborative programmes over the years, including the development of national GBV strategies, the establishment of specialised GBV courts, economic empowerment initiatives for women, and the creation of the Gender and Child Protection Branch within the Botswana Police Service.Hon. Chombo acknowledged that GBV remains a major challenge in Botswana, revealing that police records for the first quarter of 2026 indicate that 1,517 cases were reported, including murder, rape, assault, and offences involving children.She reaffirmed the Government's commitment to strengthening policies and legislation, enhancing survivor support services, expanding prevention programmes, improving data collection, promoting women's economic empowerment, and engaging men and boys as champions of GBV prevention and response.Representatives from the Delegation of the European Union to Botswana and SADC, Debswana, and the Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (BOCONGO) also shared their perspectives. They unanimously agreed that strengthened community awareness, greater attention to the mental health needs of both survivors and perpetrators, enhanced support services, and a united approach to treating GBV as the national crisis it is, will all help in this fight.