African charity helmed by Prince Harry admits 'human rights abuses' following investigation

A major charity, African Parks, linked to Prince Harry, was under investigation for alleged abusive behaviour against indigenous people. On May 8, 2025, the charity released a new statement about the status of the investigation. It revealed that Omnia Strategy LLP started an "independent investigation" after becoming aware of the "allegations of human rights violations."

The release admitted to the violations and wrote,

"African Parks acknowledges that, in some incidents, human rights abuses have occurred, and we deeply regret the pain and suffering caused to the victims."

It added,

"Omnia’s investigation also highlighted several failures of our systems and processes that were insufficient for the level of responsibility given to us, particularly in the early years of our management of Odzala (Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo)."

African Parks linked to Prince Harry admits to human rights violations following investigation

African Parks, helmed by Prince Harry, has admitted to human rights violations in the Odzala—Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo, "against the Baka community." Harry served as the charity's president from 2016 until stepping down in 2023. He then became a board member, around the time the charity received complaints about abuse against the Indigenous community.

While the charity noted in its press release that there "is no place for abuse in the name of conservation", it hasn't specified the "incidents." However, it noted that it will take "action against staff members implicated in previously unknown incidents."

They added,

"African Parks will define a bespoke framework that will guide provision of remedy in case of human rights breaches. To better understand the risks associated with management of the park, we will run a second human rights impact assessment as a follow up to the study done in 2021."

According to news outlets, Prince Harry had previously been advised to step down from his role as a board member in 2024 in light of several complaints. Interviews secured by Survival International continue to emphasise the abuse. One Baka man reportedly told Daily Mail,

“African Parks are killing us slowly. We’re suffering so much that we might as well be dead.”

Following the admission by the African charity, it is unclear if Prince Harry has responded to the situation. Additionally, as pointed out by the BBC, the statement didn't include the specific findings of the investigation. The full response can be found on the charity's website. The charity has refused to make the report by Omnia public.

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