Globalization and Indigenous Peoples:
Break Out Group to Elaborate Recommendations on Item 4b

The aim of this meeting was to collect and discuss suggestions and inputs from the representatives of indigenous populations in order to analyze and improve a first draft of elements for the conclusions and recommendations on item 4(b) "globalization and indigenous peoples," which is to be presented tomorrow to the Working Group on Indigenous Populations in Plenary by Dr. El-Hadji Guisse. The Secretary, Mr. Julian Berger, presented and commented the draft and Dr. Guissé chaired the session.

Discussion started on the conclusions on item 4(b). The Secretary highlighted three points in the draft:

a) Globalization as a set of complex phenomena that prevail in the contemporary world and are rooted in the colonial experience...; b) Certain aspects of globalization have the potential to bring benefits to indigenous peoples...; c) In practice, however, globalization in its present form is universally destructive of indigenous cultures and livelihoods...

The discussion reflected the difficulty of defining globalization as a concept. Dr. Guisse pointed out that there is no general agreement on one definition of the concept. In his opinion, it is important to focus on the economic, social and cultural impact of globalization on the daily life of indigenous populations. Globalization has different economic, social and cultural aspects. In the mandate of the Working Group, globalization is a cultural, social and economic integration process. Several participants welcomed the inclusion of the social and cultural aspects of the concept which they perceive as too focalized on the economic aspect. However, there seems to be consensus that the economic aspect bears some of the most serious negative consequences on the daily lives of indigenous populations. Concrete problems caused by globalization such as the occidentalisation of indigenous populations were highlighted. In particular, the issue of proselyte religions that are converting indigenous populations was raised together with the question whether the concept of religion should or not be mentioned directly in the draft. Economic aspects such as transnational corporations destroying the territories and robbing the intellectual property of indigenous peoples and the role of international institutions such as the World Bank, IMF and WTO were considered by several speakers. There was also a discussion on expanding point (c) beyond culture to include land, territory, resources and indigenous governments.

From the different comments we may draw the conclusion that whereas it is important to define the concept of globalization considering the different aspects and its historical roots, it is even more urgent to identify and investigate the cultural, social, economic and political impact of globalization on indigenous populations in order to address the current situation.

Concerning the recommendations to the Working Group on Indigenous Populations, the Secretary outlined six points which lie within the mandate of the Working Group and could serve as tools: conduct a study; fact finding by asking governments for information; to promote a network on globalization; standard setting; workshops or seminars; recommendations. These tools were formulated into a draft including the following points:

(a) Recommend a study; (b) Begin drafting standards/guidelines on globalization and indigenous peoples; (c) Recommend a second workshop on indigenous peoples and mining; (d) Recommend a workshop on full, prior and informed consent as a principle underlying development projects on indigenous peoples' lands; (e) Create a virtual working group to exchange information on globalization and report to WGIP at the 22nd session; (f) Invite WTO to attend WGIP; (g) Recommend a study on indigenous peoples and migration as a consequence of globalization; (h) Prepare a working paper on impact of subsidies to agriculture in rich countries and impact on indigenous peoples; (i) Prepare study with examples of alternative economic models by indigenous peoples ...; (j) Call for a moratorium on projects negatively impacting indigenous peoples; (k) Study on impacts of globalization on indigenous cultures especially languages.

Just to mention a few of the contributions made to these points, one participant suggested that indigenous populations submit studies already undertaken to the WGIP and pointed to the fact that WIPO has conducted fact finding concerning the intellectual property of indigenous peoples which could be used by the WGIP. Concerning standard setting, proposals were made such as a stand-alone recommendation on the sharing of the benefits in which not only the financial perspective should be considered but also other benefits such as education and participation. One participant asked for standard setting in the area of bringing transnational corporations into line with international law regarding indigenous populations and thereby addressing the difficulty of holding these corporations responsible for rights violations. Special attention was given to standard setting in the area of the intellectual property of indigenous populations were they feel robbed of their knowledge and insufficiently protected by western property rights. There was also a demand for synergies between different UN agencies calling upon the rights based approach to development. Defining "full, prior and informed consent" as an operative concept in the development process within a legal commentary was proposed by the Secretary and welcomed.

In his conclusion, the Chairman, drawing from his experience as president of the working group on transnational corporations added to the discussion on holding these responsible for the respect of the rights of indigenous people, equitable sharing of benefits and the protection of the environment. He also pointed to the role of the World Bank and the IMF. He expressed the view that there is a need for a recommendation stressing the obligations of states, transnational corporations and international institutions. He said the World Bank and the IMF should assure the regularity of the behavior of transnationals and reaffirmed that states do not only have the obligation to respect human rights but also have human rights respected ("respecter et faire respecter").

By: Sarah Furrer

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