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| Bushman child, CKGR, Botswana 2004
© 2004 Stephen Corry/Survival |
The UN's Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has
reprimanded the Botswana government over its eviction and harassment of
the Gana and Gwi Bushmen.
In an unusually harsh report issued on Friday, the committee notes its
concern at persistent allegations that [Bushmen] were forcibly
removed, through, in particular, such measures as the termination of
basic and essential services inside the Reserve, the dismantling of
existing infrastructures, the confiscation of livestock, harassment and
ill-treatment of some residents by police and wildlife officers, as
well as the prohibition of hunting and restrictions on freedom of
movement inside the Reserve.'
The UN committee urges the Botswana government to, pay particular
attention to the close cultural ties that bind the San/Basarwa
[Bushmen] to their ancestral land; protect the economic activities of
the San/Basarwa that are an essential element of their culture, such as
hunting and gathering practices, whether conducted by traditional or
modern means; study all possible alternatives to relocation; and seek
the prior free and informed consent of the persons and groups
concerned.'
The committee also condemns the government's removal of Bushman rights
from the Botswana Constitution, which it says may impact on the
on-going court case brought by some residents of the Central Kalahari
Game Reserve against the Government to challenge their relocation from
the Reserve.'
For more information call Miriam Ross on (+44) (0)20 7687 8734 or email mr@survival-international.org
