An independent review has confirmed that human rights abuses were committed against the Baka community by rangers of African Parks, a charity linked to Prince Harry. Despite the acknowledgment, details remain undisclosed, sparking criticism from human rights advocates.
Prince Harry’s Charity Faces Human Rights Scandal in Congo-Brazzaville
Prince Harry’s Charity Faces Human Rights Scandal in Congo-Brazzaville
African Parks acknowledges human rights violations by its rangers following allegations from local communities.
A significant conservation charity, African Parks, linked to Prince Harry, has publicly admitted to the occurrence of human rights abuses by its rangers in Congo-Brazzaville. This acknowledgement stems from allegations made by members of the Baka community, who accused these rangers of severe mistreatment, including beatings, waterboarding, and sexual assault to prevent access to their ancestral lands that have been designated as conservation areas.
The findings were a result of an independent review requested by African Parks after a report surfaced last year in the Mail on Sunday. Although the charity commissioned this review, it has refrained from disclosing specific findings. Instead, it released a general statement confirming the abuse within the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, which African Parks oversees.
The investigation was conducted by Omnia Strategy LLP, a law firm led by Cherie Blair. While the firm has indicated that it conducted a thorough analysis since December 2023, it has opted not to reveal its conclusions, stating they were directly sent to African Parks for internal review.
The BBC has sought comments from both Omnia and barristers involved in the case, but they have remained tight-lipped, as has Prince Harry when approached for a statement. In response to the allegations, African Parks has claimed to enhance its safeguarding measures over the past five years, which includes appointing an anthropologist to better support Baka communities and collaborating with local human rights NGOs.
Survival International, an organization advocating for indigenous rights, has criticized African Parks for withholding the investigation's findings. They expressed skepticism about the charity's renewed commitment to addressing the issue. Allegations of abuse have reportedly been known to the charity since 2013, yet progress in addressing these concerns has been questioned by various stakeholders.
Headquartered in Johannesburg, African Parks operates across 13 African nations, managing 23 protected regions and boasting influential patrons. Prince Harry has been involved with African Parks since 2016; he was raised to its Board of Directors in 2023, following a term as president. The charity has highlighted its substantial funding from prominent donors, totaling over $500,000 annually.
This situation has sparked discussions about the ethical responsibilities of conservation organizations and their accountability to the communities they serve.
