A/HRC/15/37/Add.2 United Nations General Assembly Distr.: General 2 June 2010 Original: English Human Rights Council Fifteenth session Agenda item 3 Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, James Anaya Addendum The situation of indigenous peoples in Botswana* Summary In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, James Anaya, presents his observations and recommendations on the situation of indigenous peoples in Botswana, focusing on those groups that have been historically marginalized and that remain non-dominant parts of society. The report arises out of an exchange of information with the Government, indigenous peoples and other interested parties and follows the Special Rapporteur’s visit to Botswana (19–27 March 2009). The Special Rapporteur acknowledges the initiatives undertaken by the Government of Botswana to address the conditions of disadvantaged indigenous peoples. He highlights, in particular, efforts aimed at addressing long-standing problems such as marginalization in political spheres and a history of underdevelopment. Nonetheless, the Special Rapporteur notes that, while important, these initiatives still suffer from a variety of shortcomings and need to be designed and implemented in a manner that recognizes and respects cultural diversity and distinct indigenous or tribal identities. The Special Rapporteur notes that the Government of Botswana has developed a number of programmes aimed at preserving and celebrating the unique cultural attributes of the country’s many indigenous tribes. However, Government programmes should not be * The summary of the present report is being circulated in all official languages. The report itself, contained in the annex to the summary, is being circulated in the language of submission only. GE.10-13968 (E) 230610