UN Report Finds Botswana Governmental Position on Kalahari Habitation by Basarwa to appear to be Inconsistent with its Decision to Permit Gem Diamonds/Gope Exploration Mining Activities

pThe [Botswanan] Governmentrsquo;s position that habitation of the [Kalahari] reserve by the Basarwa and Bakgalagadi communities is incompatible with the reserversquo;s conservation objectives and status appears to be inconsistent with its decision to permit Gem Diamonds/Gope Exploration Company (Pty) Ltd. to conduct mining activities within the reserve, an operation that is planned to last several decades and could involve an influx of 500-1200 people to the site, according to the mining company, reports a new report by a UN expert, James Anaya./p
pBotswanarsquo;s Government must step up efforts to tackle the challenges faced by many indigenous communities, such as land rights, says the report by a United Nations independent expert.br /
ldquo;The current problems faced by indigenous peoples in the country are associated with three underlying, interrelated issues: respect for cultural diversity/identity, political participation and consultation, and redress for historical wrongs,rdquo; says Anaya./p
pAnaya visited the country last March and met with representatives of the University of Botswanarsquo;s San/Basarwa Research Project and Gem Diamonds/Gope Exploration Company (Pty) Ltd./p

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