The Head of the United Nations Population Fund in Botswana, Tlangelani Shilubane Pieterson, met the Commissioner of Police, Dinah Marathe, at the Botswana Police Service Headquarters on 10 December 2025. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between UNFPA and the Botswana Police Service. The engagement aimed to support national work on human rights, the Sustainable Development Goals and UNFPA’s efforts to reduce Gender Based Violence. GBV continues to affect many communities in Botswana. The visit highlighted the need for strong partnerships that support safer environments for all people.
The Commissioner outlined the core mandate of the Botswana Police Service. She stated that the institution prioritises public safety and works to maintain peace and stability. She noted that crime prevention requires community involvement. She stressed the value of collaboration with UNFPA in areas connected to GBV, human trafficking, youth drug use and other social issues that affect safety. She explained that the Botswana Police Service is improving its capacity through staff training and growth in technology use. She pointed to the adoption of INTERPOL tools and the wider shift toward digital policing.
Tlangelani Shilubane Pieterson reaffirmed UNFPA’s support for the Botswana Police Service. She highlighted work in child protection, cybercrime, human trafficking, GBV and child pregnancy. She stated that promoting human rights remains a key priority. She praised the Child Friendly Centres established by the Botswana Police Service with UNICEF and the Governments of the United Kingdom and Japan. She also welcomed the Standard Operating Procedures that guide response work in sexual and reproductive health, HIV and GBV cases.
She confirmed that UNFPA will continue to work with the Botswana Police Service to support national security priorities. She noted that both institutions aim to improve protection systems and strengthen services that support vulnerable groups.
This visit reinforced the value of coordinated action. It showed a shared commitment to reducing violence, improving safety and protecting the rights of all people in Botswana.
