Plenary Session 22 July 2003.

The U.N. working group on Indigenous Populations of this 22 July 2003 was able to give voice to 34 of the 102 of the Indigenous groups booked to this session - the 68 left will take place over the coming ones. The consequence of Globalization towards Indigenous Populations in a wider scope was the main goal of this event, rather than specific local community issues.

Since the beginning many leaders questioned the decision-taking process of some major state actors, like WTO, World Bank and IMF. That was clearly outlined by Ms. Vicki Tauli Corpuz, from the Teteba Foundation, that claims for more transparence "over the WTO's process". Ms. Corpuz also contests subsidized farming, and asks for empowering the U.N. to play its mission over these themes.

Environmental issues were a major concern to almost every Indigenous leader in the plenary. Mr. Unkuti Unkum, from the Tsentak Survival Organization contests "liberal policies that favors economical groups to profit of their natural resources". "It's urgent to reduce the impacts of Globalization, Indigenous Peoples are experiencing the destruction of their own environment", says Mr. Windel Bolinget, from the Cordillera Peoples Alliance. After that, Ms. Justa Cabrera, representing the Capiania Guarani Zona Sta. Cruz of Bolivia denounces a "destruction of the environment and exploitation of the natural resources with a few feedbacks" - she even brings up the exploitation of their intellectual knowledge, imposed by intellectual property companies. "Multinational corporations often invade their regions profiting from resources, not giving any benefits for the local communities. There must be a way to balance interests, human rights has been forgotten", adds Mr. Abelard Blackman, from the Buffalo River Dene Nation.

"The phenomenon of Globalization does affect Indigenous People, and only major economical groups benefits of it. We should recognize the human rights of Indigenous Peoples", says Mr. Tomas Alarcon, from CAPAJ. " Globalization should have seen as an opportunity rather than a threat for Indigenous Peoples", adds Mr. Ruben Ortiz - from the Maya Kichin Konegel peoples.

"Globalization is not only economic, should be Social too - We should look for the link in between Legal and Global interests", outlines Ms. Traore Wodjo Fini, from the Club UA-Ivory Coast NGO. "Poverty up to 80% between our people it is a consequence of liberalism and the actual economical model, and we don't agree with it", contests Ms. Mirian Masaquiza, representing the NGO Campesinos Indigenos y Negros de Equador.

"How can we be part of Globalization, which is lead by Technology?" asks Ms. Rosario Blanco Cumanagoto - from the Cumanagoto Nation of Venezuela. "It is difficult to protect Indigenous heritage towards the speed of Globalization", adds Mr. Leithanenten Meitei - (TIPS Manipur). "It is not a matter of Globalization targeting Indigenous People, it is the Indigenous People that are often excluded from major decisions", concludes Mr. Za Uk Ling, from the Chin Human Rights Organization.
On the other hand - and maybe this can show some paths towards solutions - Mr. Richard Preston from the Quaker Aboriginal Affairs brings the example of the successful experience of the partnership between community and local authorities, which brought a strategic plan that was developed at his region in Canada: "The Nemaska Consult elicited a practical vision of self and community, and collectively developed a community plan". He also claims for a creative and positive use of Globalization trends.

A conclusion of this session is that Globalization should include a major participation of the Indigenous Peoples within the decision-making organizations. Claims also a better balance between Environmental, Social rather than only the priority given to Economical issues in the whole process.

By : Rogerio Goulart and Ousmane Deme

BACK