Rwanda’s indigenous Batwa – also known as pygmies – are calling on the government once again to implement ‘affirmative action’ programs to combat institutionalized discrimination against them at all levels of society. The Batwa, who number roughly 20,000 have a very difficult time securing access to jobs, political representation and economic benefits for their communities. Advocates and representatives of the Batwa are calling for provisions of equal protection, treatment and rights to land for the group to be enshrined in the country’s legal system, and for special representation in the government on issues such as housing and education.
