PRESS STATEMENT ON SURVIVAL INTERNATIONAL – LONDON II

LONDON VIGIL TO MOVE TO DURBAN RACISM CONFERENCE

DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights would like to comment further about the continuing action by Survival International, an NGO based in the United Kingdom.

DITSHWANELO earlier expressed its concerns that the Survival International campaign on behalf of the Basarwa living inside the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), risked reversing progress already made in the protection of the human rights of the Basarwa people. The intention of Survival International to move its demonstration to Durban may well raise international awareness, however the questions to be asked are ‘At what cost and to whom?’

DITSHWANELO has itself publicly stated that it is opposed to forced removals of the Basarwa in Botswana. We have also ensured that we deal with reports of torture. Regular discussions have been held with officials of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) concerning reports of torture carried out by their staff. The Negotiating Team (a civil society grouping), which was established in 1998, has and continues to be involved in a negotiation process with the Government of Botswana concerning land rights of the Basarwa people in the CKGR. DITSHWANELO’s work with the Basarwa people also involves land rights issues in other parts of the country.

DITSHWANELO welcomes solidarity action from civil society groupings around the world. However, we are greatly disturbed by the additional risk posed to progress already made in the protection of the human rights of the Basarwa. We believe that the attainment of a common goal ought not to be hampered by sectarian interests. Instead, we trust that this particular solidarity action of Survival International is being conducted for the ultimate benefit of the Basarwa people.

9 August 2001
Gaborone