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| Bushman boys, Namibia
© Mark Håkansson/Survival |
The Kalahari Bushmen
in Botswana have sent a desperate plea for help to actress Angelina
Jolie, who gave birth to a daughter on Saturday in neighbouring Namibia.
The Botswana government has evicted the Gana and Gwi Bushmen from their
ancestral land in the central Kalahari. The Bushmen are fighting for
their right to return home. Actors Colin Firth and Julie Christie have
already spoken out in their support.
We have heard that you are very interested in human rights,' reads the
open letter to Ms Jolie from Bushman organisation First People of the
Kalahari. The government is trying to destroy us and we are asking for
your help in our battle to save our people. Many Bushmen families have
been split apart by the evictions. Many people don't know where their
relatives are and are very worried, desperate. They are not allowed to
attend the funerals of relatives.
Those who have remained inside the game reserve are not allowed to
hunt and gather and have no access to water. The health situation is
bad in the resettlement camps. Young people are getting HIV and are
drinking. This is not the way of our people. The death rate is now
high.'
In the letter, written prior to the birth of Ms Jolie's child, the
Bushmen also wished her their blessings and Good Luck' for her
pregnancy.
To write a letter in support of the Bushmen click here
Photos and footage available. For more information call Miriam Ross on (+44) (0)20 7687 8734 or email mr@survival-international.org
