In brief
A conservation charity associated with Prince Harry has admitted to human rights abuses committed by its rangers against the Baka community in Congo-Brazzaville, following an independent review that remains undisclosed. Despite acknowledging the violations, African Parks has not released the details of the review or its findings, which a top law firm conducted. Human rights advocacy group Survival International has called out the charity for its lack of transparency and ineffective measures to protect indigenous rights.
A prominent charity associated with Prince Harry, African Parks, has acknowledged that human rights abuses were perpetrated by its rangers in Congo-Brazzaville, in light of findings from an independent investigation. This admission comes after serious allegations emerged from members of the Baka community, who accused rangers of extreme violence, including beating, waterboarding, and sexual assault, aimed at preventing access to their ancestral forests located within a conservation area.The charity has opted not to disclose the findings from the independent review led by Omnia Strategy LLP, a London-based law firm directed by Cherie Blair. Although the review began in December 2023, the report's detailed findings and recommendations were conveyed directly to African Parks without being made public. Omnia confirmed its ongoing independent investigation into the claims.Attempts by BBC to secure comments and insights from both Omnia and Doughty Street Chambers, who were involved in the investigation, were met with silence beyond their original statements. The organization has, however, stated that they have strengthened safeguarding measures within the Odzala-Kokoua National Park over the past five years. They have appointed an anthropologist to foster better support for the Baka communities and are collaborating with local human rights NGOs.Survival International, an indigenous rights advocate, criticized African Parks for failing to disclose the investigation's findings, highlighting that previous actions have not stopped recurring human rights violations. They reiterated that the charity has been aware of the abuses against the Baka people since 2013, with claims that they had attempted to cooperate with African Parks but were met with resistance.Headquartered in Johannesburg, African Parks is one of Africa's largest conservation entities, managing 23 protected areas across 13 countries. Prince Harry has been involved with the charity since 2016 and holds a directorship on its governing board as of 2023. The charity receives backing from prestigious donors, such as the European Union and various prominent philanthropists, amounting to over $500,000 annually as stated in its latest report.With calls for greater transparency and accountability, African Parks, alongside its high-profile connections, faces scrutiny over a critical ethical responsibility regarding the rights of indigenous peoples and the preservation of their heritage.
