Day 3
Wednesday AM, July 24, 2002
Morning Session 10:00 a.m.

Agenda item 4 continued- Review of recent developments

Beverly Longid, Cordillera Peoples Alliance
A year after election of president Arroyo, Cordillera peoples are facing the same problems despite her earlier commitment to poverty reduction. The Philippine government continues to violate our rights to ancestral lands and self-determination through the implementation of destructive programs of mining and dams, commercial agriculture funded by development aid from the EU and Asian development bank, privatization of communal lands, segregation for eco-tourism and militarism. Government and private corporations implement these for development, but in fact they destroy our lands. The Lepanto Mining Corporation has been operating in Benguet for 65 years and is expanding its operations. In the past it has systematically violated the rights of IPs. Its expansion will further destroy the environment and Peoples livelihood in Benguet and the neighboring communities It possesses 5 out of 8 water rights, denying water to IPS. Residents have campaigned against the mining. Other mining applications in the Cordillera cover at least 711,000 hectares of land. The Philippine Government and builders of the San Roques Dam continue construction despite absence of free, prior, informed consent, as found by the National Commission of IPs. Aggressive conversions of our remaining lands are worsening our situation. These violations are causing more poverty than development. We refuse to be sacrificial lambs and assert our right to development. We call for support for right to decide on development affecting us, including prior informed consent, based on transparent information. We recommend:
1. A moratorium on large-scale destructive projects affecting IPs.
2. Develop mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the impact of TNCs and aid agencies, making them accountable for IP rights violations.
3. To work for the rehabilitation of communities’ water systems and forest.
We support the work of the WGIP
Christopher Wege, Global Country of World Peace
We are grateful there is this forum to exchange information that is for the good of IPs and all mankind. The UN and states wonder that they cannot bring about peace. Until all nations give freedom and respect to IPs there will be no lasting peace. Nations of the world have superficially imposed cultures over IPs. They should realize IPs who live more simply and close to natural law, are like the foundation on which their house is built.
We recognize there can be no peace without removing poverty of more than one quarter of the world’s population. We have developed a plan to do this through Vedic agriculture. It also includes the Global Development currency, which can become a unifying force for IPs. We think the WGIP should be a permanent presence here in Geneva, where it was born.

Arnold Groh, Semiotics Research Center
The concept of development was coined by industrial culture, which defines change in a particular direction. Its definition disqualifies others. There is no necessity to assume societies must be industrialized. The changes caused by industrialization are questionable. Mere participation is also not enough. With dominance, particular ways of thinking prevail. IPs must be allowed to make decisions free from the culture of globalization. An honest discourse is the first step towards a solution.

Julia Ramos, Federation Bartolina (SISA)
There are over 400 IPs in Latin America and the Caribbean, representing some 30 to 40 million inhabitants. Two thirds of the population of Bolivia is directly ethnically related. Add these figures and you can see for how many years the ethnic question has been made invisible. The constitution of our colonial society has established a difference between the republic of the whites and creoles and the republic of the Indians, with a law for the whites and another law for the Indians. The work we are doing in the grass roots communities must be done with all the love and dedication we can muster.
I fully share the statements made by colleagues, and would like to say that everywhere in the world we should see what is happening to use to the benefit of our country. If we have development with identity, education, right to land and decision-making, I have the pleasure to say in Bolivia we are going to have a peasant and IP Parliament. We have to have our forum. We cannot wait for others to tell us what we have to do. The solution is to be found within ourselves. We are alarmed at the empty seats of the states, because we want them to work alongside us, so we can make progress and have a just world.

Zephyrin Kalimba, CAURWA, Autochtones Rwandais
The blood that flows in the veins of IPs is the same as that of other humans, but they continue to suffer and their right to development is denied them. Their lands have been forcefully appropriated by territorial expansion of the dominant peoples, and their fundamental rights denied. In central Africa many governments do not recognise IPs. Marginalisation and exclusion, armed conflict and Aids are rampant. There is lack of education and employment. We recommend intervention by national and international agencies and institutions; that governments take measures in all sectors of development, which take IPs into account, including the cultural and political spheres, elimination of all forms of exclusion and discrimination, good governance and integration of IPs, including IPs in formulating development programs on their land, including co-management and applying the contents of instruments of international law relating to the rights of IPs

Violet Kinga, MEICSD
I am from the Mount Elgon Dorobo community, Kenya. Since the introduction of UN bodies in 200, the rights of the Dorobos have slowly been recognised. The government has realised we are an autonomous community. The government is settling our people permanently. We were displaced from our land in 1989 and our children are dying of hunger. Our land was changed to a game reserve, but we are hunter-gatherers. We have set to move against this betrayal according to the land registration act 288 of the laws of Kenya. We request pressure on the government for greater recognition and resources.
Vision of the future:
1. We are yet to establish more cultural centers to inform peoples of our rights
2. Our trust land should be reverted back to us.
3. Environmental destruction to cease to increase our production of indigenous food and herbs.
4. More schools should be established.

Prof Yokota
When discussing right to development of IPs we have to look at all aspect of individaul and collective rights. Not only economic development, which is of course an important element of IP rights to development, but also civil, political, social, cultural, ritual, religious and other aspects of human development are essential for IPs. Up until now do not have comprehensive data with regard to right of development of IPs. Most data on development comes from the UNDP and is based on per country basis. What we need to know is information about per capita income, literacy rate, life expectancy, and all other relevant information of IPs, particularly in comparison with such data of other populations in each country. Efforts should be made to collect such indigenous-focused human development indicators to be able to assess their right to development.
In addressing the right to development with respect to IPs, we should not confuse these with development projects financed by the World Bank, development and bilateral aid agencies. These projects are planned, negotiated and executed as national development projects, which are often not beneficial to the IPs concerned. As we have been hearing many of these are detrimental to the life and health of IPs. I propose the following as essential for making development projects in harmony with IPs enjoyment of the right to development.
1. All national development projects affecting life, health and environment as well as the right to land and natural resources of IPs should be planned and implemented in full participation with IPs. All appraisal reports for such national development projects should have a section describing the process of participation and consultation as well as possible impact on IPs.
2. Efforts should be made to formulate good development projects for IPs. They have the right to plan and execute their own development projects with financial and technical assistance from governments and international institutions.

Nadir Bekirov, Meijlis of Crimean Tatar People
IPs have their own identities and way of life but this does not mean they must be conserved like museum articles. They have choice. Sometimes government says you must choose, either you are indigenous or you are a member of the greater society. Again and again we meet exclusion of IPs from equal rights. The history of our people is paradoxical. We were deported and our culture destroyed. Now the Ukranian government argues that we are not IPs because we do not keep our traditions and live in the communities of 100 years ago. We are tired of the idea that others know better what is better for our development. Our response is - give us our natural resources back and we will manage. We do not need charity. We are ready to settle problems with our hands. We do not manage because the government keeps our land from us.
The right to development includes the right to control and use natural resources. Our government tries to involve investors, which means construction of everything, but we say there is no development without the development of IPs. Sustainability of IPs must be self—sustainability and self-development, which was interrupted by colonialism.

Nkitoria Ole, Simba Maasai Outreach Organisation
The WGIP has been important in capacity building. IPs have had a chance to decide upon their own destiny. IPs are facing various problems, including land, education and assimilation.
I recommend
1. African states, and Kenya in particular, recognize the existence of IPs.
2. Leading donor institutions and World Bank has frozen funds to our country, wanting our government to be democratic and accountable. It is time we also attain the right to social and economic democracy besides political involvement in leadership.
3. IPs to get secure land rights and tenure systems. Customary land laws should be included in the constitution to prevent illegal allocation of our lands.
4. Kenya has an agricultural economy and IPs could also participate. We should be included in African trade cooperation, such as the East African Community.
5. The UN should help IPs with training and help IP experts to research our medicines, education systems and folk knowledge. There must be protection mechanisms for IP intellectual property rights

Ruben Ortiz, Programa Kichin Konojel
All development programs should include right to identity allowing inclusion in strategies of for national development objectives. IPs should be able to make their own proposals taking account their own ethnic specificities, without mutilation our rights with the pretext of overall development. National budgets should include IPs in programs of social, economic and political development. In consultation with IPs, regional programs should forsee ways of compensating IPs because some plans favor only the elite in these countries and not the IPs. A case in point is the Plan Puebla Panama which will benefit the richest corporation in the US and Mexico rather than the poor countries of central America. The Mayas who are fostering rural development should be included, not just be targeted for tourism. The Mayas of Guatemala ask the World Bank to dedicate greater efforts to include IPs in regional plan, under their directive 410. There must be an overall view because IPs are the bulwarks of the eco systems and we have to be consulted. Our right to development starts with the inclusion of the ethnic question in domestic politics.
Domestic state policies extend to multilateral plans, which affect IPs who straddle borders, though we remain invisible in these agreements. Eco and cultural tourism represent the second segment of the economy and the rules of the game need to be established so there will be less impact on IP participation. Globalisation must also be studied.

FD Lolosoli, Paran Program
IPs are denied right to development and even their recognition. IPs continue to live in abject poverty. No development has been taken placed among the Samburu of northern Kenya. No new schools and healthcare centers have been put in place despite tourism being a major industry. Coupled with laxity in civil service, most institutions have been run down. Pastoralism, and marketing livestock, the mainstay of the community, is worse. Corruption has been cited as being the main cause for underdevelopment in Samburu. Most employees are not local, and have no development agenda. Capacity building and employment for local people is not a priority. Local administration chiefs are appointed by the government and are appointed against the peoples will. They cannot be effective. They govern without consultation. On 350 square meters set aside for conservation there are now 4 tourist lodges. 30 % of forest coverage lies in the Samburu district, while 130,000 Ha of dry season grazing land was gazetted as military training area.
Recommendations: Elected leaders must replace appointees. Traditional institutions need be restored to work alongside elected leaders. Alienation of land to be brought back to the negotiation table. Adequate resources to be allocated and local people trained and employed to manage them. During meetings held by the World Bank and EU had proposal that any proposal for funding on IP land would require an IP plan.

Elena Vazheova, Association of the Shor People
There are 16,000 Shor living in South Western Siberia. Our cultural values are being damaged. I am a teacher. Because of their culture, Shor children require particular attention, and our text books must be adapted. There are schools where native language and traditions are taught but this is due to the altruism of a few teachers. Mostly the picture is sorry. Development of Shor youth: those living in cities loose contact with their culture. The young generation cannot develop. There is a problem with adapting textbooks for youth moving to towns. So the problem is not that teachers do not care, but the system existing in Russia. There is no financial support from the government for textbooks and schools. Teachers are overburdened. Hope IPs participation will draw attention in our country to problems of IP.

Meridale Dewar, Canadian Friends Service Committee
Quakers in Canada, are aware of the injustice towards the first peoples. Our governments continue to respond to business interests before that of environment, education, health and living conditions. We understand the right to development is linked to the right to self-determination. IPs, as peoples are guaranteed this right under the international bill of rights. Self determination has been understood to include right to land and resources. We participated in the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in 1996. The HR Committee has questioned Canada on the lack of implementation of its recommendations. We see the imposition of legislation affecting IPs in the country (Bill C-61) and means at their disposal to resolve claims against the state (Bill C60). We believe these bills are retrogressive and neither is defensible in Canadas RCAP or the Draft Declaration. Attempts to delimit self determination to further colonial agendas indicate substantive changes continue to be blocked. We ask the SR to investigate and report back.
Recommend:
1. States foster educational programs on the right to SD.
2. States and international agencies should strive for interim measures to protect IP lands from exploitation while treaties and land agreements are negotiated.
3. All states work together to implement the DD so it may go to ECOSOC.
4. Support ECOSOC to support the PF, including a permanent secretariat.

Manuel Rojas Boyan, Consejo Indio de Sud America
The Aymaras, Quechuas, Urus and Tupi Guarani of the Andes have always respected nature. Colonialism had a terrible effect on our culture and traditional systems. Andean agricultural systems offer ecological alternatives to combat hunger. Precolumbian production yielded 40 Tons per Ha of as opposed 5 tons per Ha with the imported production techniques. We have been able to bring about a garden full of life. Perhaps we are nostalgic, but man is plundering the planet. The enterprises selling GM seeds to our peasants lead to the loss of natural and Indigenous plants. We generate dependency of the new product.
The governments have started destroying the fragile Altiplano. They are encouraging people to emigrate to the pacific coast. The Urus were completely destroyed. They are deliberately destroying the Altiplano for the benefit of fruit production. We are seeing human life is worthless as we are being liquidated by corrupt governments. Oil spills are severely punished by fines, but when Transedes, a subsidiary of Enron, spilled oil in the Desaguadero river, nobody could make that company pay up. The UN must abandon its neutral role and must confer IPs the their inalienable rights, before it is too late.

Mohamed Beddiaf, Association Tagazt
Represent the Touareg. We follow ancestral laws regarding land according to our experience, linking our peoples to the land. These laws have been violated. They have been appropriated by the authorities, occupied and sold without consultation or compensation. Nuclear tests have been carried out by France in the Sahara during the colonial times, and these were carried on several years after the independence of Algeria, again without consultation. The consequences continue to affect the environment.
Algeria is granting a large part of the Sahara to Emirs from the Gulf who come to hunt, and exterminate the local species. They spend huge sums to protect species in their own land and then exterminate ours. Education: the Touareg dialect has been recognized but continues to be marginalized. It is central to our culture, as is our writing system, one of the earliest in the world. The 50th anniversary of HR Declaration has been celebrated, yet the Touareg do not have this declaration it their own language

Joji Carino, Tebtebba Foundation
Welcomes Yokota’s statement. In examining problems in the context of the Philippines and in relation to constructing large dams throughout the world. Free prior and informed consent in the development process is a central issue requiring the WGIP further study. It has substantive and procedural elements, requiring full and meaningful participation of IPs. In Nov 2000 the World Commission on dams adopted Public Acceptance as one of the seven strategic priorities for water and energy development. This includes free prior informed consent of IPs. The Commission called on financial institutions and governments and authorities to uphold rights based approach to water development and adopt it in their policies. The position of the World Bank revised Operational policy 4.10 on IPs continues to be a concern. IPs feel the current policy falls short of current international standards. The Philippines government now has a most progressive definition of free prior and informed consent. The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act states:
All members of the community affected consent to the decision; Consent is determined in accordance with customary laws and practices; Freedom from external manipulation, interference or coercion; Full disclosure of the intent and scope of the activity; Decision is made in language understandable to the community; Decision is made in process understandable to the community. Philippines law requires free, prior and informed consent for the following activities: Exploration, development and use of natural resources; Research-bio prospecting; Displacement and relocation; Archaeological explorations; Policies affecting IPs; Entry of military.

Mohammed Ikarbane, CAIDDH
The Amazigh people continue to be dominated and oppressed. Over 120 people have been assassinated by the security forces, which takes revenge against our people. Those who seek freedom and the rights of IPs of the world and oppose the rigid view of the N. Africa world that impose Arab point of view. This forum every year should continue its work that our points of view discussed. We need a permanent forum in Geneva so we can participate. The debate and dialogue between cultures is what we should take seriously. It is our duty to lay a basis for exchanging in partnerships to have fruitful work and to reduce the lack of understanding.

Manuel Jesus Carrillo Segovia, CONACANP - Peru
IPs have ancient civilizations based on collective ownership, which have reached high levels of development. In Peru, we have a country that is immersed in economic system based on neo liberal orthodoxy that seeks big profits entailing many consequences to development: The successive governments of Peru have marginalized the IPs because we have no assistance in regards to health, child malnutrition, privatization of land, ecological pollution by TNC in the mining sector.
Privatization of land has caused fatal confrontations. Land is contaminated by mining. The is impoverishment of IPs due to loss of management over resources. Loss of cultural identity because they no longer practice their culture and traditions. There are many political prisoners, and limited means of complaint. The climate change has seen deaths of animals. We respect the rights of others and if everyone did this we would have good development.

James Kaipoi, OSILIGI
We are working with the Maasai of Kenya. It is evident that the WGIP has achieved a lot. It has empowered IPs through its own initiatives. The WGIP has provided a forum to share experiences and to also provide information on human rights law for advocacy. The WG provides an opportunity to meet with government delegates and tell them of their problems without fear and intimidation. Through this, many governments have come to recognize the IPs as part of their citizens. My organization through participation in the WGIP has managed to bring to the world the plight of hundreds of IPs of Northern Kenya. The UN and its agencies have a moral responsibility to assist IPs.
These are the challenges WGIP should live to address in future:
1. Protect and promote traditional knowledge.
2. Protection of their culture and heritage against commercialization in the name of eco-tourism and tourism.
3. Return of lost land through the 1904 Land treaties with the British colonial government.
4. Development and protection of livestock markets.
5. Protection against foreign armies and the right to determine their own development as concerns land use.

Viktor Calderon, CAPAJ
Prerequisite for development is for the lands to be returned and the recognition of the right to self-determination according to international law. The Aymara people have right to guarantee territorial security that was shattered by artificial boundaries that prevent free movement. We need to return economic, social rights in development plans.

Isabel Ortega, CAMCAPC
The IPs live in Bolivia, invaded by colonial capitalists who enslaved our ancestors for more than 510 years. We have been oppressed, massacred and tortured. We were not even recognized as human beings and continue to be marginalized. We have been victims of massacres, while defending water, coca and land, the natural resources of Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. Coca is our natural medicine. When we tried to manage our natural resources, land was taken away. ILO Convention 169 is not being implemented because the successive governments were busy selling the riches of state.
On behalf of IPs we try to seek our rights. The state tramples on our rights. We have been pushed into poverty. Our development plans presented to the UN were denied. The government has a permanently provocative attitude, passing laws against IPs and ignoring previous agreements. Genetically modified products alter our land. Government adopted permanent attitude of provocation, disregarded agreements we had reached in previous sessions. The UN must bring about respect for IPs. The government ignores its international commitments. We must base ourselves on our sovereignty as IPs. We will continue to fight until we attain our rights.

Alejandra Peru, UNDP
Discussions of the WGIP have made important development in UNDP work. This year marks an important year. We welcome PFII as new organ in UN system. We look forward to implement its calls for action. Also the UNDP policy guidance note marks the first in its kind. It is lessons learned from countries and IPs. It recognizes IPs rights. It is rooted in the goal at the UN Millennium Summit. These partnerships promote IPs participation; develop capacity for government to build more inclusive programs. Moreover it endorses the principle of free, prior and informed consent. UNDP fosters full participation in its projects. This embraces the concept of partnership that combines social and economic aims.
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the Earth Summit. UNDP sees Johannesburg as important to eradicate poverty and ensure environmental sustainability. The Millennium Development Goals range from eradicating hunger to global project for development. Hopefully the IPs will engage in the process to carry out the work. The campaign to carry forward the message of what is at stake is essential.

Milton Corrales, Centro de Ecologia Holistica Otorongo
I would like to talk about the privatization of the Peruvian Amazon. We are now engaged in a campaign against Burlington Oil Company of U.S, which is jeopardizing our Biodiversity Reserve and 27 IP land communities in rhe San Martin region. The government of Fujimori, backed by Japan has persecuted indigenous leaders for ten years. In 1998, the law of investment in the Amazon was enacted. The big areas were earmarked for mining, oil and timber exploration by TNCs. IP customs and laws are ecological because the IPs have always been part of this existence. This the way of life and respect for cultural diversity is threatened.
After 507 years of colonial cannibalism we have to assume all the acts perpetrated against us are intended to make us disappear altogether. We want legal instruments so we can defend our biodiversity and the recovery of human health. The call for revoking the Amazon investment law; for the Burlington Oil Company to respect the territory of IPs with regards to oil exploitation in lot 87; That the Amazonian IPs be protected, and that churches cease their preaching programs which attack our ideology and customs.

Navin Rai, World Bank
World Bank issued its directive to strengthen its IPs approach. Thus, 2002 is a year of anniversaries of WGIP and our first IPs policy. At such time it is useful to take stock.
WB witnessed that IPs policy has improved. Banks currently work with IPs based on our evolving standards of
a) financing projects,
b) engaging government to discuss IPs,
c) building an knowledge base and
d) help to strengthen capacity building.
We have learned the full and meaningful participation of IPs. All in all, the past decade has seen banks work to improve in both quality and quantity. It is only through repeated engagement that we can continue to improve. WB policy revision process since it ended 2002, after the first discussion with IPs leaders. WB will host a roundtable in October 2002. WB will also wait to receive first evaluations of the policy. I would like to invite you to consider WB beyond IPs policy alone. Let me underline the Banks policy on IPs alone doesn’t drive action alone. Banks operations are equally driven by poverty goals. Finally, let me invite you to continue to dialogue with us.

Mr Parte, United Zo Indigenous Peoples
There are some projects between the Indo-Burma borders that should benefit us, but upon closer examination the government is completely silent on IPs. The main lands of Zo IPs have been operated by military rule. Many IPs have become victims. The completion of the UN DDRIP has been slow going for some time. This must be finalized as soon as possible.

Ronald Barnes, IP and Nations Coalition of Alaska
Article 5, Right to Development Declaration is very important. IPs should be able to utilize such instruments. On 14 July this month, this means the largest salmon industry has collapsed. The lack of equal participation of the independent tribes of Alaska has led to this. When you kill the creatures of the sea and wild game in our territory, you suffocate the IPs. This affects our subsistence economy. This is why we need a careful study. We need more data that affects IPs. Free, prior and informed consent is also vitally important. If we had a process in place we could stop the destruction of our natural resources. Permanent sovereignty of our natural resources is also important. There has been a lot of deliberation on Salmon affecting the West coast and it is a shame IPs were not participating as Peoples under international law.

Taira Satoko, Association of IPs in the Ryukyus
In Okinawa, unexploded bombs are increasing because of repeated target practice in military bases, particularly at Camp Hansen/ We suppose a large number of unexploded bombs exist, but no US information on the subject is released. Environmental pollution caused by the US army is very serious. In 1995, 1520 depleted uranium weapons were shot on Torishima islands, and the bombs remain underground. Natural environmental disruption is spreading. PBC was found in U.S. sewage disposal plants and military bases, prohibiting seaweed harvesting. Okinawan environmental pollution takes place on many military sites. On the site inspection have not taken place for years. The concentration of US bases is not in the interest of Okinawans. The concentration of US forces in Okinawa is environmental racism on the part of the Japanese government. I require that the US should revise the Japan Environmental Governing Standards and apply the Environmental Purification System, based on the DDRIP.

Rogelio Mercada Damiau, P’URHEPECHA
The attitude of the government has been one of refusal. There are illegitimate laws because they depart from the spirit of the supreme law of our constitution. Convention 169 is legitimate because it goes away from San Andreas initiative. We have been in the permanent face of aggression. We would like to present this decree with first three speaking about the land holding and the remaining three supporting the constitution and other international instruments. We do have some copies of the decree for fellow IPs. We have to defend ourselves against the central government, which is deaf to our appeals. We have to exercise our SD and autonomy.

Ganna Polkanova, Association of Crimean Tatars
There are three IPs in Ukraine. The IPs need implementation of programs to implement them. There was an attempt to set up program. We are described in the draft, but only as small ethnic communities even though we were noted in 1917 as IPs. Our communal property was confiscated. Our sacred treasures are exploited by the state. Our shrines are visited and we do not receive any compensation. The government considers the shrines are monuments that belong to the state. The legislative basis provides for return to the people. It seems government is waiting for our people to be assimilated and the ethnic map of the world will lose one more people.

Francoise Hampson, United Kingdom
I agree with statement and raise a very specific issue. There are many cases where states, groups of states, specialized agencies and even the UN has taken economic measures in relation to another state on account of the policy or action of its government. Leaving aside the question of legitimacy, the measure is decided to curtail bad behavior or create good behavior. The behavior in question is not attributable to the indigenous population and they are powerless to prevent bad behavior. States taking such action should make sure IPs are not adversely affected. Where assistance is provided, it should be for IPs. States can give credibility to their claim if they initiate assistance with the IPs themselves. That will in no way undermine measures taken by government. The adverse consequences to IPs should be noted to the SR and the HCHR to notify the secretary general.

Mililani Trask, Permanent Forum of IPs
I present in my personal capacity as an expert. In usual practice, a convention would be passed before declaration. This is not the case with development. Declaration on Social Progress on Development and Declaration on the Right to Development were passed after. Look at the international covenant.
The right of SD is the mother of the right to development. Article 1.2 links these concepts and sets up for mutual benefit. The declaration on the right to development expands this. The right is individual and collective. In 1992, the Convention on Biological Diversity and Agenda 21 chapter 26 includes the role of IPs in their community.
The CBD has four articles; 8j calls for equitable benefit of sharing, 10e, 17(2) and 18(4). We have several international conventions and covenants to protect IPs, yet rights continue to be violated through WTO, WB and IMF. Recently, WTO passed the Doha convention that is against the IPs . I agree with the Subcommission expert to bring this matter to SR and the HCHR.

Kee Watchman, Cactus Valley Red Willow Springs Sovereign Community of Big Mountain, Arizona
The Navajo who remain on their ancestral land at cactus Valley, Big Mountain, continue to face relocation because of the intent to extend mining. The Hopi tribe and Peabody Energy are working on a proposal to build a pipeline from Lake Powell to replace 1.3 billion gallons a year in groundwater used in a slurry line to carry coal to Nevada. This pipeline will keep a coalmine operating, and fuel a new power plant in Black Mesa. The IPs of Big Mountain area have always known that economic interests in the coal resources in their land lie at the heart of the relocation issue. Peabody claims it does not permanently damage the environment, but there have been water shortages already. Water from the natural springs is sacred to the people. Medicinal herbs are disappearing. The water coming from the lake is exposed to pollution, causing health problems.
If the community agrees to the pipeline it also means they will agree to more coal mining, the coal coming from the ancestral lands. According to Peabody, the mining on Black Mesa injects 2 million USD per week into Hopi and Navajo governments/ The coal is used to light up big cities like Las Vegas, but the most affected traditional community has no share in the benefits of the resources; there is no improvement in facilities. The traditional communities are not participating in the negotiations and have not been provided with adequate information. We request continued support form the WGIP and a visit from the SR. It is important for the WGIP to continue and for further standard-setting mechanisms be put in place.

Aboubacrine Saoubata, Tin Hinan
I am Coordinator of a nomadic woman’s organization based in Burkina Faso. We belong to the Amazigh language group and a number of distinct groups live in Mali, Algeria, Niger, Libya and Burkina Faso. They do this not out of choice but because of the borders determined by colonization and the efforts to settle nomadic communities. From 1990-1997 the settlements following the war have yet to be settled. In social terms, the foundations are being eroded. They tend to abuse rather than reconcile. They are soft targets without recourse. No considered development strategies should ignore specific natures of various peoples, or they do not meet needs.
External interventions impose incompatible activities. Activities can succeed in one environment but not in others, due to incompatibility. It is important to have a dynamic partnership with high profile, taking into account the HR of IPs. There is an increase in forums for exchange and promotion among Touareg peoples. We recommend not to passively tolerate programs. It is important to integrate knowledge and needs at all levels.

Chakma Ujjiban, International Jumma Community
In 1980 the government of Bangladesh gained millions of dollars for development of IPs in the CHT, but no IPs participated in the process, and as a result, most of the funds were used against them. The WB and Asia Development Bank funded a project to build roads, but these were only necessary to transport military and settlers. Another project meant to assist traditional cultivators and poor IPs was used to implant 400,000 Bengali settlers into the region. Raising funds from foreign countries has been an important part of Government policy. Many Bengali use our struggle to gain asylum abroad. The CHT Agreement continues to be dishonored. We recommend the participation of IPs in the development plans in the CHT.

Prospero Gamarra Gomez, Centro de Promocion para el Desarollo Comunal
54 years after the declaration of HR we have seen constant violations of HR despite the existence of instruments that are making valiant efforts to humanize mankind. Representatives of successive governments in the UN do intervene and their views change every time the government changes. Generally governments do not give much room to IPs in their plans. They are simply considered cheap labour. Many of them are excluded because they are not in the electoral role. In Peru it is only a few years since the illiterate are on the electoral roles. We request to prepare a document that would make a master plan for participation of IPs, mandatory in the national plans. Successive governments must respect this master plan, so IP rights are respected. We continue to make public opinion aware of the existence of fundamental rights, and avoid listening for another 50 years to just good intentions.

Marina Kisanova, Association Shor People
We number about 1300 people in the Republic of Hakassia. To be developed, we need to be reborn because we have practically lost our language, culture and everything. There is a lack of teachers for IPs. We want to pass on what we have to the next generation, and help them attain the education they wish. In 1999 we began to build a new school but it is yet to be completed. How can we speak of development under these circumstances? Lack of education affects employment. The Shor are isolated from other developments. Other peoples living on our land brought their culture and also their way of life. In order to restore our way of life we need support living in Eastern Siberia.

Elizabeth Bell, Metis Nation
Mining, oil and gas cause harm. Animals, birds, fish and water are polluted and ingested by IPs. Our health care system is also being eroded by current health systems. Our people are forced to choose between food and health care. Our traditional knowledge is being exploited and MNC are becoming rich. The trend of increased urbanism erodes the environment like a cancer on mother earth. Indigenous health is a holistic concept and the body, mind and spirit are all parts of the same being. Indigenous sports and games encourage young people to remain healthy. Indigenous games should be promoted as a way of healthy living. The WGIP has had many positive results. We have met learned a great deal from each other and organized together. We were able to bring forward our aspirations.

Antonio Vilavila Vilcapaza, ACRICAR-MIP Amar Ceprocadic
I am speaking on the institution of breeders of lamas. I would like to inform all IPs that 10 days ago, there was a radical climate event. It has been snowing and we have 70 centimeters of snow resulting in the death of many lamas. We have suffered heavy damage with families as well, especially those living at high altitude. All the breeders have received some support. It is a stopgap measure according to information I received. Climate change is a reaction to the chemical businesses. I would like to say in Peru, 10 or 12 years ago, there was a grotesque violation of our territory. They are being plundered by major MNC such as Manhattan, from the US. We are being condemned to a slow death. We think we should have a say in our own matters. Please give assistance to IPs of Peru suffering from climate change.