Skip to content or view screen version

Botswana: Government will 'change constitution to get its way'

IMCista | 15.07.2004 16:13 | World

14 July 2004 e-news from Survival International, supporting tribal
peoples worldwide.

The Botswana government said yesterday that if it loses the current
court case being brought by the Bushmen for the right to return to their
land it would 'change the law, or amend the constitution, to get its
way.' The 'senior government source' was quoted in the UK's Daily
Telegraph newspaper on 13th July. Survival's Director Stephen Corry said
in response, 'This is extremely disturbing news, with grave overtones
for justice throughout all Botswana. What's the point of an independent
judiciary if the government simply changes the constitution when it
doesn't agree with a judgement? Botswana's image as the 'shining light'
of Africa is dimming rapidly.'


Survival International is a worldwide organisation supporting tribal
peoples. It
stands for their right to decide their own future and helps them protect
their
lives, lands and human rights. It receives no government funding and is
dependent
on donations from the public. To find out more or to help see
 http://www.survival-international.org or email  info@survival-international.org

IMCista