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| Bushman woman, CKGR, Botswana 2004
© Stephen Corry/Survival |
Survival supporters around the world are handing in a 100,000 signature
petition to Botswana embassies and consulates this week. The hand-in marks the
second anniversary of the forced relocation of hundreds of Gana and Gwi
'Bushmen' from their ancestral land. One year ago Survival presented the first
100,000 signatures to the Botswana government.
Amongst the supporters are a delegation of Ogiek hunter-gatherers in Kenya.
In a statement they say, 'the heart of the Ogiek people goes out to our
brothers and sisters the Gana and Gwi Bushmen… Brothers and sisters: do not
let your persecutors make you forget who you are: no matter how far away from it
you have been taken, the land and life your forefathers gave you belong to you.
Be strong! You will see your land again!'
Petitions will be handed in in the USA (Washington, Los Angeles and New
York), Belgium, Germany, Japan, UK, Switzerland, Kenya and South Africa. The
petition calls on the government to allow the Gana and Gwi to return to their
ancestral land.
Stephen Corry, Director of Survival said today, 'This unprecedented level of
support shows just how outraged international public opinion is about the
Botswana government's persecution of its indigenous people. Support for the
campaign keeps on growing, and will not end until the Bushmen are back on their
land.'
Photos and footage available. For more information contact Miriam Ross on
(+44) (0)20 7687 8734 or email mr@survival-international.org
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To add your name to the Bushman petition, click here.
