African Parks Acknowledges Human Rights Violations in Congo-Brazzaville

African Parks, a conservation charity linked to Prince Harry, has conceded to human rights abuses attributed to its rangers in Congo-Brazzaville following allegations of violence against the Baka community. Despite the admission, detailed findings from an independent review have not been made public, raising concerns among advocacy groups.

African Parks, the prominent conservation charity associated with Prince Harry, has publicly acknowledged the existence of human rights abuses committed by its rangers in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, located in Congo-Brazzaville. This admission comes in light of serious allegations raised by the Baka community, which included accusations of beatings, waterboarding, and sexual violence aimed at preventing access to their ancestral forests that now form part of a conservation area.

An independent review conducted by Omnia Strategy LLP, a law firm in London led by Cherie Blair, was commissioned to investigate these allegations. Although the review began its work in December 2023, its specific findings and recommendations have not been disclosed to the public; the charity's acknowledgment remains vague with no detailed report provided.

Attempts by the BBC to request further insight into the report's findings were met with silence from both Omnia Strategy and barristers from Doughty Street Chambers, who were also involved in the inquiry. African Parks has claimed to have improved its safeguarding processes over the past five years, including collaborating with local human rights organizations and appointing anthropologists to better support the Baka communities.

Critics, including the advocacy group Survival International, criticized African Parks for its decision to withhold the investigation's findings. Survival International has stated that despite the charity’s new reporting measures and support structures, this has not adequately addressed the historical violence and human rights violations committed against indigenous people. The organization emphasized that African Parks has been aware of these abuses since as far back as 2013.

Prince Harry has been associated with the charity since 2016 and currently serves on its Board of Directors after a tenure as president. Celebrated as one of the largest conservation charities in Africa, African Parks oversees multiple protected areas across 13 African countries, supported by illustrious financiers including the European Union and various high-profile individuals.

The issue raises critical questions about accountability and the effectiveness of conservation efforts that neglect the rights of local communities, posing a significant challenge for the charity moving forward as it seeks to regain trust and improve its practices.