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Tanzania: More violence feared over bid to evict Maasai from ancestral lands |



This development follows the encroachment of land and traditional housing by the Maasai people and the possible expulsion of 150,000 tribal people, to make way for a game reserve in the north of the country.

In a statement, the group of nine rights experts cited reports that Tanzanian security agents fired live bullets and “fired tear gas” at Maasai individuals guarding land for development in the country. Ngorongoro District.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most famous sites in East Africa and is home to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a volcanic sheltered area that provides a wildlife haven and is the heart of the world. around area UNESCO World Heritage Site, adjacent to the Serengeti National Park.

Dozens of people were injured

According to experts, the clash resulted in the death of one police officer and injured about 30 people, according to experts, who said Maasai’s representatives allege that “there was no real attempt to inquire their opinion” and they learned the details of the deportation plan. from leaked documents.

Press release issued on behalf of experts by the rights office OHCHRsaid that on June 6, after a closed-door meeting, Regional Commissioner Arusha announced a decision to turn 1,500 square kilometers of the 4,000 square kilometers of designated village land including the Loliondo Game Control Area, into a zone. game conservation.

“This change implies expulsion from the villages of Ololosokwan, Oloirien, Kirtalo and Arash, can replace up to 70,000 native Maasai,” the statement said.

The decision comes despite the 2018 order from the East African Court of Justice and the fact that on 22 June the Court is expected to rule on a legal challenge to the deportation of the person. Maasai from their land in this area.

Challenge

About 700 members of the security force were deployed in the area, where they set up tents to begin demarcating the land, and on June 9, police placed markers to demarcate the game reserve. play, but the local Maasai people removed them and stayed overnight to guard the area. .

When security forces returned at dawn, they began firing live ammunition and releasing tear gas at Maasai, according to a press release from OHCHR.

Another situation is unfolding at the adjoining Ngorongoro Reserve, where authorities have reported are carrying out plans to expel an estimated 80,000 Maasai from their ancestral lands.

No guarantee

“Under such conditions, There seems to be no guarantee that the removal of Maasai from the area will not result in forced expulsion and arbitrary displacement in accordance with international law,” noted UN experts.

“We are concerned about Tanzania’s plan to relocate nearly 150,000 Maasai from Ngorongoro and Loliondo Reserves without their free, prior and informed consent, as required by human rights laws and standards international.

This will cause irreparable harm, and may result in confiscation, forced deportation and arbitrary relocation prohibited under international law.UN experts warn.

‘Physical and cultural survival’ on the line

“It could jeopardize the physical and cultural existence of the Maasai people in the name of ‘nature conservation’, safari tourism and trophy hunting, ignoring the relationship that the Maasai have traditionally had with the land. their lands, territories and resources and the role they play in protecting biodiversity.”

The experts called on the Government of Tanzania to “immediately halt plans to resettle those living in Loliondo and Ngorongoro Reserve and begin consultations with the Maasai Indigenous Peoples, including directly contacting the Ngorongoro Pastoral Council , to jointly identify current challenges to environmental conservation and the best avenues to address them, while maintaining a human rights-based approach to conservation”.

They also called on Tanzanian authorities to “show transparency” by accepting external surveillance requests, including in response to UN country visit requests. Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Dong Nhan Quyen Association– The Special Rapporteurs are appointed as part of what is known as Special procedure of the Council. They work on a voluntary basis, are not employees of the United Nations and are not paid for their investigative work.



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