May 05, 2015

International Conference on the Observance of the Mapuche Treaties Concluded with the Chilean State


On 5 May 2015, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization and the European Mapuche Coordination are hosting the ‘International Conference on the Observance of the Mapuche Treaties Concluded with the Chilean State’ in The Hague, The Netherlands. 

 

On 4 May 2015, the International Court of Justice will start reviewing the jurisdiction over maritime claims submitted by the State of Bolivia against the State of Chile. A process in which the State of Chile emphasizes that it “respects and complies with the integrity of all treaties agreed between itself and other parties”. Against this background, the UNPO and the European Mapuche Coordination convene this conference to call for the State of Chile to show equal respect and compliance with the numerous treaties entered between the Mapuche people and itself.

The Mapuche people have been subjected to the expropriation of their lands on behalf of both the State and large businesses, which has disturbed their livelihood and traditional way of living. As of today, the Mapuche people have no constitutional recognition as an indigenous people of Chile. They face economic hardship, exploitation in the labour market, police brutality and discrimination. Given these circumstances, the conference aims to create awareness of the treaties concluded between the Mapuches and the State of Chile, and to urge the State of Chile to show firmness in its adherence to them. Furthermore, the conference reaffirms the Mapuche people’s right to self-determination, the right to their land and its resources.

Additionally, a demonstration will be held on Monday 4 May 2015 from 14:00 to 15:15 in front of the Peace Palace in The Hague.

 

For the results of the conference, please click here.

For more information please contact: Geeske Sibrijns at [email protected] or Sandra Sofia Englund at: [email protected]