In brief
A report reveals that African Parks, connected to Prince Harry, has confirmed human rights abuses committed by its rangers against the Baka community in Congo-Brazzaville. Despite acknowledging these violations, the charity has not made the findings of the independent review public, leading to calls for transparency and accountability from human rights advocates.
A notable conservation charity affiliated with Prince Harry has publicly acknowledged that serious human rights violations took place in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Congo-Brazzaville. This revelation comes in the wake of independent investigations prompted by allegations from the Baka community, which reported abuses by the African Parks rangers aimed at preventing access to their ancestral lands now designated as conservation zones.The British newspaper, the Mail on Sunday, initially reported last year on accusations against the charity’s rangers for committing acts such as beatings, waterboarding, and sexual violence against local inhabitants. African Parks, after commissioning an independent review led by the London-based law firm Omnia Strategy LLP, has admitted that abuses did occur but has refrained from disclosing the specifics of the review’s findings.Although the independent review commenced in December 2023, detailed results have not been made available to the public. Omnia Strategy confirmed its investigation but only sent its findings and recommendations directly to African Parks. The BBC attempted to obtain information from both Omnia and other legal representatives involved in the investigation but received no further comments beyond their official statements.In response to these allegations, African Parks stated that it has enhanced its safeguarding measures over the past five years, alongside implementing new strategies such as appointing an anthropologist to engage with the Baka communities more effectively. The charity also plans to collaborate with local human rights organizations and conduct a thorough independent human rights impact assessment.Survival International, an organization advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples, condemned African Parks for not releasing the report from the independent review. They expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of additional guidelines and staff to prevent future abuses, especially as they had previously indicated that African Parks was aware of such violations as far back as 2013.For its part, African Parks manages a substantial number of protected areas across Africa and enjoys backing from prominent figures and organizations, including Prince Harry, who has been associated with the charity since 2016. Following a tenure as president, he became a member of the Board of Directors in 2023.The organization lists several influential donors on its site, including the European Union and members of the Walmart and Buffett families. In its 2023 annual report, African Parks stated it received generous funding exceeding $500,000 (£375,000) annually, raising questions about its accountability and oversight regarding human rights practices within its operations.
