08-05-2025
Charity linked to Prince Harry admits to human rights abuses
A charity linked to Prince Harry has admitted multiple human rights abuses carried out by its park rangers.
The Duke of Sussex was president of African Parks from 2017 until 2023, when he was made a member of the board of directors.
An investigation published by the Mail on Sunday in January last year alleged guards working for the non-profit in the Republic of the Congo subjected indigenous people to a range of abuses, including rape and torture.
The charity has admitted human rights abuses did take place, following a review by Omnia Strategy, a London-based law firm headed by Cherie Blair.
Part of a lengthy statement, released by the charity, read: 'The board of African Parks has reviewed Omnia's advice and endorsed the management plan and timeframes to implement the recommendations resulting from this process.
'African Parks acknowledges that, in some incidents, human rights abuses have occurred, and we deeply regret the pain and suffering that these have caused to the victims.
'Omnia's process 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 [a national park in the Congo].'
The full findings have not been made public by the charity.
The Telegraph understands the Duke of Sussex has been closely involved in understanding the findings and implementing any necessary change.
