INDIGENOUS PEOPLES CAUCUS OF THE GREATER CARIBBEAN (IPCGC)
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Sixth Session - Special theme: “Territories, lands and natural resources”
IPCGC Intervention: Joboshirima Lokono Arawak Community; Caney Quinto Mundo; Presencia Taina; KuKarey Spiritual Circle; United Confederation of Taino People[i]
Tuesday, 22 May 2007 - Item 4 (g) Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People
Madam Chair, and distinguished delegates, we welcome this opportunity to address the plenary on Item 4 (g) the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People. While we have submitted a majority of these recommendations to previous sessions, we have received no response from any United Nations agencies, including the Permanent Forum, with regard to substantive follow-up or consultations.
With this in mind, and with specific refference to the implementation of the Plan of Action (A/60/270) for the Second Decade, we recommend that the Permanent Forum:
1.) Urge UNESCO to work in collaboration with indigenous Caribbean islanders to promote and support the recovery of their heritage, oral traditions and ancient writings with a view to recognizing them as heritage of humanity under the framework of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage[ii];
2.) Urge UNESCO to sponsor a special regional meeting with representatives of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean as well as other regional initiatives to facilitate their full and effective participation in its work relating to endangered languages, education, literacy, nomination of indigenous sites to the World Heritage List and other relevant programs[iii];
3.) Urge States, UNESCO and other relevant UN agencies to provide the resources, technical, or other assistance necessary to develop language, education and cultural exchange programs to restore and revitalize, and strengthen their languages, especially these ancient languages have been replaced by a dominant language or are not being used as a result of the actions of governments, assimilation and acculturation policies;
4) Urge Caribbean States including the “Free Associated State” of Puerto Rico to work in collaboration with indigenous Caribbean islander organizations to review all public education materials to eliminate any discriminatory and derogatory contents as well as erroneous historical accounts, which continue to render Indigenous Peoples invisible, subject to ridicule, or misrepresents them in any way[iv].
5) Urge the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to include Caribbean Indigenous Islanders, including the Taíno People of Puerto Rico without discrimination, into the future sessions of the Indigenous Fellowship Program[v].
5) Urge Caribbean States including the “Free Associated State” of Puerto Rico to work in collaboration with indigenous Caribbean islanders to further develop national legislation for the protection and promotion of human rights, including means of monitoring and guaranteeing those rights and urge that where it is not already the case, like in the case of Puerto Rico, national constitutions recognize the existence of indigenous peoples, and make explicit reference to them, where relevant[vi].
6) Urge the Rio Group, CARICOM and the Association of Caribbean States to develop policy guidelines in collaboration with the member organizations and communities represented within the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean as well as other regional initiatives with a view to work closely with respective governments to use said guidelines in the implementation of regional agreements and to assist in strengthening fair trade, socio-economic systems, and other potential areas of cooperation among Indigenous Peoples of the region.
7) Urge the Association of Caribbean States, the RIO Group, and CARICOM (including its Associate and Observer members) to establish a special regional fund for representatives of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean and other regional initiatives to attend the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues throughout the remainder of the Second Decade and beyond.
Madam Chair, and distinguished delegates, we say bo’matum (thank you) for your time and consideration.
Statement Presented by: Mildred Gandia Reyes, UCTP
-------------------------------------------------------
[i] Following an organizational structure similar to the Association of Caribbean States, the “Greater Caribbean” is defined here as an area of cooperation in recognition of common ancestral heritages and common geographic spaces shared by the Indigenous Peoples of the region historically and at present.
[ii] Relating to item 15
[iii] In accordance with paragraphs 23 & 16
[iv] Under Item 18
[v] Under item 47
[vi] Under item 56
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
2007: IPCGC - Urban Indigenous Issues and Migration
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES CAUCUS OF THE GREATER CARIBBEAN (IPCGC)
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Sixth Session - Special theme: “Territories, lands and natural resources”
IPCGC Intervention: Joboshirima Lokono Arawak Community; Caney Quinto Mundo; Presencia Taina; KuKarey Spiritual Circle; United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP)
Monday, 17 May - Item 7: Urban Indigenous Peoples and Migration
Madam Chair, and distinguished delegates, we welcome this opportunity to address the plenary on Agenda Item 7 - Urban Indigenous Peoples and Migration.
The Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean[1] welcomes the reports submitted to the sixth session by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (HABITAT) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) among others. However, it is of great concern to us that these reports - like so many others submitted here - continue to ignore the unique situation of indigenous Caribbean islanders and our historic and present urban and migratory realities. Indeed, it is well-documented that our ancestral homelands extended throughout circum-Caribbean region even into parts of mainland North and South America. It is also well-documented that we, the descendants of our ancestors continue to exist in our ancestral territories and yet UN agencies mandated to assist Indigenous Peoples of “Latin America and the Caribbean” continue to focus resources only on the mainland.
This lack of attention to our well-being is not only discriminatory but in violation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. It is also contrary to reports and recommendations made by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which state that “all appropriate means must be taken to combat and eliminate” discrimination against indigenous and tribal peoples.
With this in mind, on the issue of urban indigenous peoples, we (IPCGC) recommend that the Permanent Forum:
1) Recommend to States and United Nations agencies that any follow-up on the issue of urban indigenous peoples include Caribbean Indigenous Peoples. This follow-up should also include without discrimination, the full and effective participation of Caribbean Indigenous Peoples who reside in non-self governing territories such as the Taíno People of the “free associated state of Puerto Rico.” Adequate funding should be provided for their inclusion.
We would further recommend that the special situation of Caribbean Indigenous Peoples who reside outside their traditional homelands also be addressed in relevant follow-up mechanisms on this agenda item.
2) Recommend to States and United Nations agencies that best practices such as the “Multi-Ethnic Center” in Estado Bolivar in Venezuela and the “Amerindian Hostels” in Guyana be highlighted as positive initiatives with regard to the situation of urban indigenous peoples and migration. These initiatives provide services to indigenous peoples in the urban context by providing accommodation opportunities, some educational services, meals etc.
Further, while these projects should be improved to include increased medical facilities, and expanded educational and vocational services, these programs could provide a base model for other countries.
On the issue of migration, we (IPCGC) recommend that the Permanent Forum:
1) Support calls for a 2nd International Border Security Summit that will focus on the human rights of indigenous peoples divided by international borders. This Summit should include Caribbean Indigenous Peoples, including those in non-self governing territories such as the Taíno People of Puerto Rico.
2) Call upon States, and inter-governmental initiatives such as CARICOM and the Association of Caribbean States to create adequate mechanisms in conjunction with the Indigenous Peoples of the Greater Caribbean to facilitate uninterrupted communications and border crossings between the Arawak, Carib, and Warao Peoples of Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname, the Taíno People of Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, as well as the Carib Peoples of Dominica and Trinidad – all of whom share common ancestral heritage.[2]
Madam Chair, and distinguished delegates, we say bo’matum (thank you) for your time and consideration.
Statement Presented by: Mildred Gandia Reyes, UCTP
________________________________________
[1] Following an organizational structure similar to the Association of Caribbean States, the “Greater Caribbean” is defined here as an area of cooperation in recognition of common ancestral heritages and common geographic spaces shared by the Indigenous Peoples of the region.
[2] CARICOM has begun to institute a “Common Passport” for the full member states of the Caribbean Community in order to make intra-regional and international travel easier for their citizens. During the July 2006 CARICOM Summit, an agreement was reached on measures to ensure hassle-free movement for visitors to the 2007 Cricket World Cup. Travelers amongst the nine host countries and Dominica were able to use a single CARICOM visa between January 15, 2007 and May 15, 2007. No special provisions for Indigenous Peoples have been discussed with the context of the common passport or visa.
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Sixth Session - Special theme: “Territories, lands and natural resources”
IPCGC Intervention: Joboshirima Lokono Arawak Community; Caney Quinto Mundo; Presencia Taina; KuKarey Spiritual Circle; United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP)
Monday, 17 May - Item 7: Urban Indigenous Peoples and Migration
Madam Chair, and distinguished delegates, we welcome this opportunity to address the plenary on Agenda Item 7 - Urban Indigenous Peoples and Migration.
The Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean[1] welcomes the reports submitted to the sixth session by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (HABITAT) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) among others. However, it is of great concern to us that these reports - like so many others submitted here - continue to ignore the unique situation of indigenous Caribbean islanders and our historic and present urban and migratory realities. Indeed, it is well-documented that our ancestral homelands extended throughout circum-Caribbean region even into parts of mainland North and South America. It is also well-documented that we, the descendants of our ancestors continue to exist in our ancestral territories and yet UN agencies mandated to assist Indigenous Peoples of “Latin America and the Caribbean” continue to focus resources only on the mainland.
This lack of attention to our well-being is not only discriminatory but in violation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. It is also contrary to reports and recommendations made by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which state that “all appropriate means must be taken to combat and eliminate” discrimination against indigenous and tribal peoples.
With this in mind, on the issue of urban indigenous peoples, we (IPCGC) recommend that the Permanent Forum:
1) Recommend to States and United Nations agencies that any follow-up on the issue of urban indigenous peoples include Caribbean Indigenous Peoples. This follow-up should also include without discrimination, the full and effective participation of Caribbean Indigenous Peoples who reside in non-self governing territories such as the Taíno People of the “free associated state of Puerto Rico.” Adequate funding should be provided for their inclusion.
We would further recommend that the special situation of Caribbean Indigenous Peoples who reside outside their traditional homelands also be addressed in relevant follow-up mechanisms on this agenda item.
2) Recommend to States and United Nations agencies that best practices such as the “Multi-Ethnic Center” in Estado Bolivar in Venezuela and the “Amerindian Hostels” in Guyana be highlighted as positive initiatives with regard to the situation of urban indigenous peoples and migration. These initiatives provide services to indigenous peoples in the urban context by providing accommodation opportunities, some educational services, meals etc.
Further, while these projects should be improved to include increased medical facilities, and expanded educational and vocational services, these programs could provide a base model for other countries.
On the issue of migration, we (IPCGC) recommend that the Permanent Forum:
1) Support calls for a 2nd International Border Security Summit that will focus on the human rights of indigenous peoples divided by international borders. This Summit should include Caribbean Indigenous Peoples, including those in non-self governing territories such as the Taíno People of Puerto Rico.
2) Call upon States, and inter-governmental initiatives such as CARICOM and the Association of Caribbean States to create adequate mechanisms in conjunction with the Indigenous Peoples of the Greater Caribbean to facilitate uninterrupted communications and border crossings between the Arawak, Carib, and Warao Peoples of Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname, the Taíno People of Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, as well as the Carib Peoples of Dominica and Trinidad – all of whom share common ancestral heritage.[2]
Madam Chair, and distinguished delegates, we say bo’matum (thank you) for your time and consideration.
Statement Presented by: Mildred Gandia Reyes, UCTP
________________________________________
[1] Following an organizational structure similar to the Association of Caribbean States, the “Greater Caribbean” is defined here as an area of cooperation in recognition of common ancestral heritages and common geographic spaces shared by the Indigenous Peoples of the region.
[2] CARICOM has begun to institute a “Common Passport” for the full member states of the Caribbean Community in order to make intra-regional and international travel easier for their citizens. During the July 2006 CARICOM Summit, an agreement was reached on measures to ensure hassle-free movement for visitors to the 2007 Cricket World Cup. Travelers amongst the nine host countries and Dominica were able to use a single CARICOM visa between January 15, 2007 and May 15, 2007. No special provisions for Indigenous Peoples have been discussed with the context of the common passport or visa.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Two-Week Session on Indigenous Issues Opens at United Nations
New York, NY (UCTP News) - As delicate ecosystems supporting millions of lives hang in the balance, indigenous representatives from around the globe began a two-week session of discussions on Monday, May 14 with top United Nations officials, Government representatives and members of civil society to highlight the struggle to defend their rights to access and use the land and natural resources in their territories...
Among the participants attending the meeting, Chief Reginaldo Fredericks of the Joboshirima Lokono Arawak Community of Venezuela noted the importance of meeting stating “it is critical for us as Indigenous Peoples to follow-up on the recommendations made and report on these activities to our peoples.”
Chief Fredericks is a member of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean, which forms annually at the UN meeting to lobby Caribbean indigenous issues...
To see the full story:
http://uctp.blogspot.com/2007/05/two-week-session-on-indigenous-issues.html
Among the participants attending the meeting, Chief Reginaldo Fredericks of the Joboshirima Lokono Arawak Community of Venezuela noted the importance of meeting stating “it is critical for us as Indigenous Peoples to follow-up on the recommendations made and report on these activities to our peoples.”
Chief Fredericks is a member of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean, which forms annually at the UN meeting to lobby Caribbean indigenous issues...
To see the full story:
http://uctp.blogspot.com/2007/05/two-week-session-on-indigenous-issues.html
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
VULNERABILITY AND ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES
Report highlights adverse effects of and adaptation to climate change in the Caribbean and other Small Island Developing States.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A. Context for adaptation to climate change for SIDS
1. There are 51 small island developing states which, in spite of their geographical and cultural
diversity, share similar economic and sustainable development challenges including low availability of resources, a small but rapidly growing population, remoteness, susceptibility to natural disasters, excessive dependence on international trade and vulnerability to global developments. SIDS also have to contend with a lack of economies of scale, high transportation and communication costs, and costly public administration and infrastructure.
2. The climate of small island states is influenced by large ocean-atmosphere interactions such as trade winds, El Niño and the monsoons; tropical cyclones and hurricanes are also important components of the climate, as well as sea-level rise. These climate characteristics, combined with their particular socioeconomic situations make SIDS, among which are 12 LDCs, some of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change. This, added to the fact that SIDS produce such extremely low levels of greenhouse gas emissions, means that they will suffer disproportionately from the damaging impacts of climate change.
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat:
http://unfccc.int/files/adaptation/adverse_effects_and_response_measures_art_48/application/pdf/200702_sids_adaptation_bg.pdf
View as HTML
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A. Context for adaptation to climate change for SIDS
1. There are 51 small island developing states which, in spite of their geographical and cultural
diversity, share similar economic and sustainable development challenges including low availability of resources, a small but rapidly growing population, remoteness, susceptibility to natural disasters, excessive dependence on international trade and vulnerability to global developments. SIDS also have to contend with a lack of economies of scale, high transportation and communication costs, and costly public administration and infrastructure.
2. The climate of small island states is influenced by large ocean-atmosphere interactions such as trade winds, El Niño and the monsoons; tropical cyclones and hurricanes are also important components of the climate, as well as sea-level rise. These climate characteristics, combined with their particular socioeconomic situations make SIDS, among which are 12 LDCs, some of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change. This, added to the fact that SIDS produce such extremely low levels of greenhouse gas emissions, means that they will suffer disproportionately from the damaging impacts of climate change.
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat:
http://unfccc.int/files/adaptation/adverse_effects_and_response_measures_art_48/application/pdf/200702_sids_adaptation_bg.pdf
View as HTML
Friday, February 2, 2007
Public Notice: UNPFII 2007
Public Notice: The Sixth Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) will take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York from May 14-25 2007.
As in previous sessions, the United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) is facilitating activities and administrative services for the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean (IPCGC). Please inform us of your planned attendance and desire to participate as part of the Caucus, which is open to representatives of indigenous Caribbean Organizations and communities.
Consistent with the UNPFII, the IPCGC follows an organizational structure similar to the Association of Caribbean States whereas the “Greater Caribbean” is defined here as an area of cooperation in recognition of common ancestral heritages and common geographic spaces shared by the Indigenous Peoples of the region.
Please send all correspondence to the United Confederation of Taino People’s Regional Coordinating Office at uctp_ny@yahoo.com
We say bo’matum (thank you) in advance for your attention and consideration.
As in previous sessions, the United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) is facilitating activities and administrative services for the Indigenous Peoples Caucus of the Greater Caribbean (IPCGC). Please inform us of your planned attendance and desire to participate as part of the Caucus, which is open to representatives of indigenous Caribbean Organizations and communities.
Consistent with the UNPFII, the IPCGC follows an organizational structure similar to the Association of Caribbean States whereas the “Greater Caribbean” is defined here as an area of cooperation in recognition of common ancestral heritages and common geographic spaces shared by the Indigenous Peoples of the region.
Please send all correspondence to the United Confederation of Taino People’s Regional Coordinating Office at uctp_ny@yahoo.com
We say bo’matum (thank you) in advance for your attention and consideration.
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