Prince Harry-linked charity African Parks admits to human rights abuses in Congo

African Parks, a non-profit organisation that manages protected areas in Africa, has admitted to human rights abuses under its watch in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of the Congo, reported New York Post. The charity, which had Prince Harry as its president until 2023 and still counts him as a board member, acknowledged incidents of abuse, including rape and torture, committed by park rangers. The abuses came to light following a detailed investigation earlier this year. In response, the charity commissioned a London-based law firm to conduct an independent review. The firm noted systemic failures within African Parks, especially in the early years of its operations. African Parks has accepted the findings, saying, “In some incidents, human rights abuses have occurred, and we deeply regret the pain and suffering that these have caused to the victims.”

The organisation also admitted to serious failures in its internal systems and promised to act on the recommendations.

Reforms reportedly include stronger safeguarding protocols and the appointment of an anthropologist to improve support for the Baka communities, who have long been marginalised. However, African Parks has refused to make the full report public. This has led to criticism from the indigenous rights charities.The development adds to growing scrutiny of Prince Harry's philanthropic work. In March, Harry stepped down as patron of Sentebale, a charity he co-founded in honour of Princess Diana. Soon after, Sentebale’s chairwoman accused the board of “harassment” and “bullying,” and claimed the Duke attempted to use the charity to boost his wife, Meghan Markle’s public image.