Screen icon Julie Christie joined the protest against De Beers and the Natural History Museum last night, in support of the Kalahari Bushmen who have condemned the 'Diamonds' exhibition opening this week at the museum with De Beers sponsorship. The museum has refused the Bushmen's request for the issue of their eviction from their land – which many believe was to make way for future diamond mining by De Beers – to be included in the exhibition.
© Pablo Blazquez
Julie said, 'I am shocked that the Natural History Museum can ignore the plight of the Bushmen while taking money from De Beers, the very company exploring their land for diamonds. Boycott De Beers! Or have the destruction of the Bushmen on your conscience.'
© Pablo Blazquez
Fifty Bushman supporters gathered last night outside the exhibition's opening party, wearing ’Boycott De Beers' t-shirts and waving placards reading, ’Museum silences Bushmen'.
© Pablo Blazquez
Photos and footage available. For more information contact Miriam Ross on (+44) (0)20 7687 8734 or email mr@survival-international.org
Act now to help the Bushmen
Your support is vital if the Bushmen are to survive. There are many ways you can help.
- Writing a letter to the Botswana government is a quick and simple way to let them know of your concern.
- Donate to the Bushman campaign (and other Survival campaigns).
- Write to your MP or MEP (UK) or Senators and members of Congress (US).
- Write to your local Botswana high commission or embassy.
- If you want to get more involved, contact Survival…
- Visit the Bushmen’s own website…
