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Constitution of the Republic of Botswana 1966, as amended to 2021
Obligations of the State
- English
Whereas every person in Botswana is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, that is to say, the right, whatever his or her race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest to each and all of the following:
a. life, liberty, security of the person and the protection of the law;
b. freedom of conscience, of expression and of assembly and association; and
c. protection for the privacy of his or her home and other property and from deprivation of property without compensation,
... (Sec. 3)
Obligations of Private Parties
- English
Whereas every person in Botswana is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, that is to say, the right, whatever his or her race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest to each and all of the following,
a. life, liberty, security of the person and the protection of the law;
b. freedom of conscience, of expression and of assembly and association; and
c. protection for the privacy of his or her home and other property and from deprivation of property without compensation,
... (Sec. 3)
Judicial Protection
- English(1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (5) of this section, if any person alleges that any of the provisions of sections 3 to 16 (inclusive)2 of this Constitution has been, is being or is likely to be contravened in relation to him or her, then, without prejudice to any other action with respect to the same matter which is lawfully available, that person may apply to the High Court for redress.
(2) The High Court shall have original jurisdiction-
(a) to hear and determine any application made by any person in pursuance of subsection (1) of this section; or
(b) to determine any question arising in the case of any person which is referred to it in pursuance of subsection (3) of this section, and may make such orders, issue such writs and give such direction as it may consider appropriate for the purpose of enforcing or securing the enforcement of any of the provisions of sections 3 to 16 (inclusive) of this Constitution.
(3) If in any proceedings in any subordinate court any question arises as to the contravention of any of the provisions of sections 3 to 16 (inclusive) of this Constitution, the person presiding in that court may, and shall if any party to the proceedings so requests, refer the question to the High Court unless, in his or her opinion, the raising of the question is merely frivolous or vexatious.
(4) Parliament may confer upon the High Court such powers in addition to those conferred by this section as may appear to be necessary or desirable for the purpose of enabling that court more effectively to exercise the jurisdiction conferred upon it by this section.
… (Sec. 18)
1
Constitution of Botswana 1966, as amended to 2016 (English). Amendment to the Constitution 2021 (English), available in HeinOnline World Constitutions Illustrated Library (2023).
2
Part of Chapter II on Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual.
3, 4, 5
3- Sec. 5 on Protection of the right to personal liberty.
4- Sec. 15 on Protection from discrimination.
5- Sec. 17 on Declarations relating to emergencies.