The Congolese Observatory of Human Rights plans to lobby for the creation of
a law to protect and promote Batwa interests, with the support of a $75,960 donation
from the Rainforest Foundation of Britain. Executive Director of Congolese Observatory
of Human Rights Roger Bouka-Owoko told the IRIN News that their goal was to have
the Batwa "recognized, respected, and to also participate in decision-making
on issues concerning them." Lobbying will take place over three years and
involves analysis of the constitution, environmental code, forestry code, and
labor code. Batwa representatives will be active through continued consulting
and discussions, and the observatory will organize workshops for parliamentarians
to raise awareness of Batwa marginalization and deforestation threats to their
hunting and gathering way of life.
