Celebrity campaigns undermine human rights and conservation
Friday, July 17, 2020
Hot debate: The conservation of Africau00e2u20acu2122s wildlife has become a global issue PIC: KEOAGILE BONANG
A group of more than 50 community leaders, representing millions of people across southern Africa, have urged UK-based celebrities to stop using their influence to undermine the human rights of impoverished people and jeopardise wildlife conservation in the region.
In an open letter to Ricky Gervais, Joanna Lumley, Peter Egan, Ed Sheeran, Dame Judi Dench, and Piers Morgan, who have vocally criticised trophy hunting, community leaders welcome international interest in African wildlife but warn that celebrities “view elephants, lions and other wildlife through a romantic, idealised lens”.
A young man suspected of breaking into a car was seized by residents, severely assaulted, and died in the hospital within an hour. We unreservedly condemn this mob justice. It is not a solution to crime, but a criminal offence that turns citizens into murderers.Residents are understandably angry about theft. The person who raised the alarm at 4am acted lawfully, and the neighbours who rushed to help showed community spirit. But what followed was...