Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact

9^th August International Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration

Implement the UNDRIP for the Wellbeing and Survival with

 Dignity of Indigenous Peoples

Statement by Joan Carling, Secretary General of the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP)

9 August 2010

In 1994, the UN General Assembly adopted the 9^th of August as the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.  This is one of our major achievements in our relentless struggles and advocacy at local to the global levels in promoting the recognition of our distinct identities and inherent collective rights.  Another historical victory of indigenous peoples is the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples or UNDRIP by the General Assembly on 13 September 2007.

The UNDRIP sets the minimum standard for the recognition of the collective rights of indigenous peoples by states, UN agencies, funds and programmes and now forms part of   international human rights instruments. Except for the government of Bangladesh who abstained, all the other Asian governments voted favourably for the adoption of the UNDRIP. As such, they have the moral and political responsibility to uphold the UNDRIP as part of their international human rights obligations.

With a population of approximately 200 million, Asia has the most number of indigenous peoples. The majority belongs to the most discriminated and marginalized sectors of the society, living below the poverty threshold and having little access to basic social services and political decision-making processes. Although they are referred to as hill tribes or ethnic minorities, among others, the majority of them are denied of their distinct identities as indigenous peoples, consequently denying them as well of the recognition of their collective rights as embodied in the UNDRIP. In certain countries, such as Thailand and Malaysia, many indigenous peoples continue to be denied even their right to citizenship, consequently denying them of their right to basic social services.

This situation is leading to the further exploitation and extraction of the lands, territories and resources of indigenous peoples by states and corporations; the undermining of their cultures through commercialization; the denial of their Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) on matters that affect them, including the formulation of laws, policies and programmes, among others.  This is further aggravated by climate change mitigation and adaptation actions by states and others such as massive oil palm plantations and other bio-fuels, large hydro-dams and, possibly, REDD Plus (Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation).

This situation is already threatening the wellbeing and survival with dignity of indigenous peoples across Asia. Unless states recognize indigenous peoples as distinct peoples entitled to their collective rights - especially to their lands, territories and resources - the social injustices committed to indigenous peoples will only worsen.  It is therefore urgent that states act on the demands of indigenous peoples across Asia, engage them in a constructive dialogue towards their recognition as distinct peoples, and build cooperation in addressing the concerns of both states and indigenous peoples.

The UNDRIP provides the critical framework in building the relationship between states and indigenous peoples in addressing the respect and exercise of indigenous peoples' rights.  It also provides the instrument in resolving conflicts between states and indigenous peoples in a peaceful manner. The adoption of the UNDRIP by Asian governments should now be translated into positive actions, and should not lead to further denial by states of the recognition of indigenous peoples as distinct peoples with collective rights.

As we celebrate this year’s International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples in partnership with states, UN agencies and local and international donors, we must seek out ways and means to build long-lasting relationships towards the realization of the collective rights of indigenous peoples and in achieving peace, justice, equity and sustainable development for all.

Let me also call on all our indigenous sisters and brother to persevere in advancing our movements especially on the ground, and to broaden and strengthen our solidarity and cooperation at the national and regional levels towards the realization of our common aspirations to uphold our distinct identities and dignity as indigenous peoples!

LET US ALL CELEBRATE THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD'S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES WITH DIGNITY AND SOLIDARITY!

Thank You.