42 UK MPs sign Bushmen motion

September 29, 2003

This page was created in 2003 and may contain language which is now outdated.

A motion tabled in the UK parliament, supporting the rights of the Gana and Gwi Bushmen of Botswana, has been signed so far by 42 MPs.

The motion, tabled by Angus Robertson, MP for Moray, 'recognises the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana, as the ancestral land of the Gana and Gwi Bushmen and their neighbours the Bakgalagadi', and notes that the reserve was established in 1961 'as a home for the Bushmen and as a means of protecting their rights'.

The motion 'strongly expresses its concern over the Government of Botswana's reportedly forcible eviction of most of the Bushmen' from the reserve, and urges the UK government to use its influence to encourage Botswana to respect the Bushmen's rights 'as established under international law'.

The full text of the motion and the names of the MPs who have signed it can be viewed on https://edm.ais.co.uk/weblink/html/motion.html/ref=1500

Photos and footage available.

For more information contact Miriam Ross on (+44) (0)20 7687 8734 or email [email protected]

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