South Africa

Statement read by fPcN on behalf of The Dawid Kruiper Clan

Main theme “Indigenous peoples and the international and domestic protection of traditional knowledge”
Agenda Item 5. Standard-setting: (a) Legal commentary on the concept of free, prior and informed consent;
Palais des Nations, Assembly Hall, July 2005
COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights
Fifty-seventh session, Working Group on Indigenous Populations
Twenty-third session 18-22 July 2005

Main theme “Indigenous peoples and the international and domestic protection of traditional knowledge”

NEW REPORT FINDS SAN PEOPLE "FAST LOSING HOPE"

JOHANNESBURG, Mar. 4, 2005 (IPS/GIN) -- The plight of an indigenous community in South Africa, the San, was placed in the spotlight this week with the launch of a report by the South African Human Rights Commission.

Entitled 'Report on the Inquiry Into Human Rights Violations in the Khomani San Community in South Africa', the 35-page document details what commission chairman Jody Kollapen said was "a sad story of neglect and of indifference".

Botswana April 10th, 2005

The latest news out of Botswana is that the government is going to attempt to amend its own constitution to be "tribally neutral". Great idea on the face of it, right? Diffusing tribal and ethnic conflicts, thereby safeguarding Botswana from the dangers of ever descending into tribal war. Or is that why it"s being done?

Conflict between Cinta-Larga Indians and diamond diggers

This time, however, the Indians are determined. Traditionally warriors, they are willing to fight to prevent their lands from being invaded once more by miners in search of diamonds. The Cinta-Larga are fed up. During the visit of the Human Rights Congressional Commission to Roosevelt village, in the State of Rondônia, this past October 9, they complained to the representatives of the harassment they have been subjected to for more than 20 years and of the violence to which they are exposed every day.

San Bushman want their day in Botswana court

The fate of one of southern Africa's oldest nomadic tribes, the San or Bushmen, could be sealed when the Botswana High Court hears argument on the issue of ancestral land rights. The court case, which commences on July 5 with an in loco inspection, could decide the future of the Gana and Gwi Bushmen communities.