UNESCO Statement on Forced Evictions, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Summary
UNESCO has issued a statement reaffirming that forced evictions are unacceptable and incompatible with international human rights law. The statement specifically addresses the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania and calls for any consideration of voluntary resettlement to be guided by free, prior and informed consent of affected communities, ensuring full respect for human rights and inclusive participation of all stakeholders and rightsholders. UNESCO recalls World Heritage Committee Decision 47 COM 7B.60 (2025) which called for a Joint UNESCO/ICOMOS/IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission to support constructive dialogue and help ensure that any relocation process is conducted in consultation with all stakeholders and in line with international standards.
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UNESCO has published a statement reaffirming its position that forced evictions are unacceptable and incompatible with international human rights law and related international obligations. The statement specifically addresses the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and emphasises that any voluntary resettlement must be guided by the free, prior and informed consent of affected communities, ensure full respect for human rights, and guarantee inclusive participation of all stakeholders and rightsholders. UNESCO also recalls World Heritage Committee Decision 47 COM 7B.60 (2025) which called for a Joint UNESCO/ICOMOS/IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission.
Affected parties include conservation area authorities, the Tanzanian government, and organisations operating in or funding activities in World Heritage sites. The statement signals that any relocation processes affecting local and indigenous communities must comply with international human rights standards, including requirements for free, prior and informed consent. Development and conservation organisations should review their practices to ensure they align with these principles.
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Apr 24, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
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UNESCO statement on Ngorongoro Conservation Area
UNESCO has consistently stressed that forced evictions are unacceptable and incompatible with international human rights law and related international obligations.
©UNESCO 23 April 2026 Accordingly, any consideration of voluntary resettlement must be guided by the free, prior and informed consent of the communities concerned, ensure full respect for human rights, and guarantee the inclusive participation of all stakeholders and rightsholders. More broadly, the conservation of World Heritage sites should go hand in hand with improving living conditions and livelihoods and should not adversely affect the daily lives of local populations.
Against this background, UNESCO recalls World Heritage Committee Decision 47 COM 7B.60 (2025), which called for a Joint UNESCO/ICOMOS/IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission. The purpose of this mission is to support constructive dialogue and to help ensure that any relocation process is conducted in consultation with all stakeholders and fully in line with international standards. UNESCO stands ready to undertake this mission and remains committed to supporting all parties in identifying solutions that respect the rights and dignity of the Maasai people.
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- Culture
- Priority Africa
- World Heritage
- Africa
- Director General
- Country page: United Republic of Tanzania
- Topics: Statement
- Region: Africa
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