Indigenous People Have Been Identified As Those That Have Historically Belonged to a Particular

Background

Indigenous people have been identified as those that have historically belonged to a particular region or country, before its colonization or transformation into a nation state, and may have different unique cultural, linguistic, traditional, and other characteristics to those of the dominant culture of that region or state. Currently there are approximately 370 million indigenous people spanning 70 countries worldwide. Many of the indigenous societies remaining are non-urbanized and are even nomadic in some regions. Some people criticize the practices of indigenous people in regards to nature, particularly hunting methods. However, others recognize that many indigenous people better understand how to make the most out of nature’s resources without destroying them. Due to industrial practices resulting in significant damage to the environment, many conflicts have developed for the indigenous people because of the negative effects on nature that human activity is currently causing. For example, logging, dam projects, deforestation, economic globalization and climate change all affect the indigenous people. Many people hold degrading outlooks on indigenous people. They are often deemed inferior and occasionally even savage. In the past, dominant societies have inflicted dehumanizing treatment upon the indigenous people of a region they invaded and claimed. A prime example of this would be the way the white colonist treated the Native Americans. The colonist took over all the Indian’s land and treated them with cruelty. Most notable was the Trail of Tears in which the colonist pursued the forced relocation and movement of Native American nations from southeastern parts of the United States following the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which resulted in approximately 4,000 deaths. After WWI and WWII the movement for rights of indigenous people gained momentum. This support derived from the witnessing of such violent and barbaric behavior of the supposedly peaceful and superior Europeans. The damaging aftermath of the wars weakened the European countries’ ability to maintain control over their colonies. After the natives in the colonies began to revolt against the weakened authority, European countries were forced to concede territories, such as India and Nigeria. These occurrences encouraged indigenous people to fight for more rights, believing they have the right to determine their own destiny. Under international law, indigenous and tribal people do have some recognized rights. The two most important laws about these groups of people are Conventions 107 and 169 under the International Labor Organization. The first focuses on a wide range of issues such as land, recruitment and conditions of employment, vocational training, handicrafts and rural industries, social security and health, and education and means of communication. The later promotes non-discrimination and the understanding and respect for the unique cultures and ways of life of indigenous peoples. Although some progress has been made, many governments routinely violate the rights of indigenous people.

UN Involvement

The UN has continuously helped establish rights for indigenous people. On September 13 of 2007 the General Assembly adopted the Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People, A/RES/66/142, which outlines the rights of the world’s estimated 370 million indigenous people, outlawing the discrimination of these people. The only four countries to vote against the document were Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States; however, since that time all four countries have reveres their position and are now in full support of the document. Some of the rights given to indigenous people in this declaration include the right to maintain and strengthen their own institutions, cultures and traditions. It promotes their full and effective participation in all matters that concern them, and the right to pursue their own visions of economic and social development. On May 7-18 in New York the UN held the eleventh session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The special theme of this session was The Doctrine of Discovery: its enduring impact on indigenous peoples and the right to redress for past conquests (articles 28 and 37 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples).There was a half-day discussion on the rights of indigenous peoples to food and food sovereignty followed by a half-day discussion on the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples. The UN is focusing on encouraging and enforcing all the rights given to indigenous people in this declaration.

Bloc Positions

Americas: There is a high concentration of indigenous people, primarily located in Mexico and South America. Currently, governments are incorporating indigenous rights into the legal systems. An example of this is the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 which focuses on the State, Local and Tribal Government Capacity Building Program.

Western Europe: There is a low concentration of indigenous groups. The only groups are theBasques, Crimean Karaites, Crimean Tatars, Izhorians,Komi, Mordvins,Nenets, Sami,and the Veps. Many countries have confirmed their support of the promotion of protection rights for indigenous people, particularly the UK.

Africa: There is an extremely high concentration of indigenous groups. They are located primarily in eastern Africa. Other than the Republic of Congo, in which the Parliament on December 30th of 2010 implemented a law for the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples, no countries in Africa have legislation in regards to the protection of indigenous peoples’ rights.

Eastern Asia: There is a low concentration of indigenous groups. The only groups are the Amis,Atayal,Bunun,Kavalan,Paiwan,Puyuma,Rukai,Saisiyat,Sakizaya,Seediq,Tao,Thao,Tsou,and the Truku.Legislation regarding rights of indigenous people is improving in this region. The South East Asian Human Rights Commissioners and Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations adopted the Bali Declaration on Human Rights and Agribusiness which secures the rights, particularly with land, of indigenous people. However, most Asian countries deny the existence of indigenous people within their borders.

Northern Asia: There is a low concentration of indigenous groups. The only groups are the Northern indigenous peoples of Russia, Sakha, Tuvans, Altayans, Buryats, Khakas, and Tungus. Most countries in this region have not recognized or implemented any form of legal protection rights for indigenous people.

Questions to Consider

1.Are there any groups of people in your country classified as indigenous people?

2.Has your country encountered conflicts with indigenous people of any kind?

3.What specific problems seem most threatening in regards to the rights of indigenous people?

4.Does your country properly enforce all rights given to indigenous people in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People?

5.Are there any additional rights that should be given to indigenous people and what are effective methods to ensure all rights are being properly adhered to?