Charlotte Manning
Research Mentor(s): Kelly Askew
Mentor Department: Anthropology
Authors: Charlotte Manning, Kelly Askew, Irene Routté
Session: Session 4 (1:00pm – 1:50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 4
Abstract
Indigenous communities throughout Africa—including pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, and hunter-gatherers—face ongoing discrimination, marginalization, and violations of their human rights. Despite the severity of these abuses, a lack of widespread reporting prevents responsible parties from being identified and held accountable, and so allows for further exploitation. This project seeks to address this gap by investigating human rights violations against indigenous peoples, documenting their experiences, and promoting greater awareness of injustices. Our research systematically compiles and verifies cases of human rights violations through partnerships with indigenous communities, legal experts, and advocacy organizations. By analyzing firsthand testimonies, legal documents, and secondary sources, we build a well-researched repository of cases, which is then published on our website to ensure accessibility and visibility. The project has produced a growing database of documented violations that sheds light on patterns of abuse and systemic discrimination faced by indigenous peoples. As of March 2025, we have published 107 cases covering 25 total countries over a period of 10 years. Our cases involve issues faced by many African indigenous groups and so are organized by category: agribusiness, ethnic conflict, conservation, infrastructure, extractive industries, language, refugees, and urban expansion. The cases highlighted in this poster (Lake Turkana and Mount Elgon National Park) are examples of documented human rights abuses arising from conservation and infrastructure issues in Uganda and Kenya, respectively. By providing verified information and case studies, we contribute to a broader understanding of the legal and social challenges that these communities endure. We aim to support advocacy efforts, inform policy changes, and encourage accountability from governments and international organizations through increased awareness and documentation that can serve as a catalyst for stronger legal protections, greater transparency, and a shift toward more equitable treatment of Indigenous communities across Africa.
