Gaborone: For one week, high-ranking officials from ten countries in Africa came together in Gaborone to devise solutions to address gender-based violence and human trafficking. The innovative forum, jointly hosted by the International Law Enforcement Agency (ILEA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), gathered police commissioners, judges, and chief prosecutors from Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, and Swaziland to share best practices and build a strong network for continued work together.  

U.S. Ambassador to Botswana Earl Miller gave the keynote address at the forum’s closing ceremony, heralding the gains made over the week and the strategies that were shared and refined. During his speech, Ambassador Miller reminded the audience that “Until all women fully enjoy their human rights and freedom from violence, countries cannot achieve their potential, and development progress will fall short.” Forum participants also attended an evening reception at the Ambassador’s residence on October 13.

The forum launched on October 10 with remarks from Botswana Police Commissioner Keabetswe Makgophe, ILEA/Gaborone Director Francisco Berrios, USAID Country Representative Blake Chrystal, and a keynote address from Botswana’s Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance & Public Administration Hon. Eric Molale. Five days of interactive sessions followed, covering topics such as victim identification, care services, cooperative investigation and prosecution, and international standards to address human trafficking.

Gender-based violence is a global issue and human trafficking a transnational problem requiring a coordinated regional response. Experts from the United States offered tips based on many years of experience, while the forum also highlighted participation by civil society partners and survivors of gender-based violence to show the human face of the epidemic and underscore the importance of integrating civil society with inter-ministerial action. Panelists were drawn from the Ministry of Health and non-governmental organizations including Woman Against Rape (WAR) and Stepping Stones International.   

For further details, please contact: USAID Strategic Communications Advisor Sara Sullivan 7233 0886 or U.S. Embassy Information Specialist Ephraim Keoreng at KeorengET@state.gov 395-3982 ext. 2419.

Please note that pictures and additional information will be available on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/u.s.embassygaborone.