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Following a study recently commissioned by Yonge Nawe Environmental Action Group on wildlife management conflicts, the organization has produced a documentary on the personal stories of communities surrounding game parks in Swaziland.  The documentary is part of Yonge Nawe’s Environmental Justice programme that seeks to promote the environmental and socio-economic rights of the Swazi people.

The documentary, ‘Cries in the Wild’, highlights the controversy brought about by Section 23 (3) of the Game (Amendment) Act 1991.  It exposes numerous cases of human rights abuses which are alleged to have been committed in the name of conservation by game rangers who are given immunity from prosecution by this piece of legislation. 

Cries in the Wild portrays the grim reality of life in rural communities surrounding certain private game reserves.  It features the stories of a man who was made to eat his own faeces, an old man who had his stomach severely burnt and others who after being shot were threatened with being thrown into crocodile ponds.

Cries in the Wild is already attracting the attention of international NGOs and foreign TV channels.  It was aired on Channel Swazi on Friday September 17th 2004 at 1900hrs.  A repeat programme can be viewed on the same station tomorrow at 1730hrs.  The documentary is available for viewing at the Yonge Nawe Information Centre in Mbabane during normal office hours.  Copies are also available from Yonge Nawe.

ENDS

NOTES TO THE EDITOR:
1. About Yonge Nawe: Yonge Nawe Environmental Action Group is a public interest membership based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that works on issues of environment and sustainable development. Her vision is a Swazi society where a healthy environment is valued, natural resources are used sustainable and everyone enjoys a good quality life.

For any information about Yonge Nawe and or the documentary contact the organization on 404 1394/404 7701/404 9792, or via e-mail at yonawe@realnet.co.sz

2. Section 23 (3) of the Game (Amendment) Act 1991 states: ‘A game ranger or any person acting on the instructions of a game ranger shall not be liable to prosecution in respect of any act or omission done in the exercise of his powers or rights under subsection (2)’.