UN Secretary-General Urges Strengthening Of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights, Support For Their Aspirations, In Message For International Day

Friday, 29 July 2011

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, to be observed on 9 August:

On the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we reaffirm the rights of indigenous peoples and our shared commitment to advance the values of equity, justice and dignity for all.

Indigenous peoples represent remarkable diversity — 5,000 distinct groups in some 90 countries. They make up more than 5 per cent of the world’s population, some 370 million people. Together, they are custodians of a valuable and often fast-disappearing cultural heritage. We see their creativity and innovations in the arts, literature and the sciences. These contributions are highlighted by the theme of this year’s observance, “Indigenous designs: celebrating stories and cultures, crafting our own future”.

Indigenous peoples face many challenges in maintaining their identity, traditions and customs, and their cultural contributions are at times exploited and commercialized, with little or no recognition. We must work harder to recognize and strengthen their right to control their intellectual property, and helpthem to protect, develop and be compensated fairly for the cultural heritage and traditional knowledge that is ultimately of benefit to us all.

I encourage all Member States to take concrete steps to address the challenges facing indigenous peoples — including marginalization, extreme poverty and loss of lands, territories and resources. Countries should also commit to ending the grave human rights abuses that indigenous peoples encounter in many parts of the world.

As we look forward to the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples in 2014, I urge all Member States to work in full partnership with indigenous people to identify practical ideas and proposals for action at this important gathering.

Together, let us celebrate and recognize the stories, cultures and unique identities of indigenous peoples around the world. At the same time, let us work to strengthen their rights and support their aspirations.

Source: UN Department of Public Information

Weblink: Indigenous Peoples Issues and Resources

Message from Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO on the occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, 9 August 2011

Message from Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO on the occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, 9 August 2011

From the Kalahari Desert to the Himalayas, from the Amazon to the Arctic region, the indigenous peoples of the world are living change at the sharp end. They stand also on the frontline of the global struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms, wrestling every day with the challenges of discrimination and the deprivations of poverty.

This International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is an opportunity to strengthen our common resolve to promote the rights and dignity of indigenous peoples across the world.

Indigenous peoples hold some of the keys to tackling global challenges. They speak the majority of humanity’s languages. They have crafted livelihoods that marry cultural and biological diversity. They have developed knowledge systems with unique insight to sustainable development.

This year’s International Day is held under the theme of “indigenous designs: celebrating stories and cultures, crafting our own future.” As we strive to foster sustainable and equitable development, it is vital we listen to the voices of indigenous peoples. It is imperative that we learn from their knowledge.

This starts with protecting their human rights and fundamental freedoms. The adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2007 marked a turning point. With increasing support, the Declaration has become the reference point for promoting equity, inclusion and social justice.

UNESCO’s contribution starts with normative action. The Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, whose 10th anniversary we celebrate this year, and the conventions devoted to the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003) and the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005) are milestones, recognizing
indigenous peoples as unique custodians of cultural and biological diversity. For UNESCO, development and culture must move forward together –- starting with the cultures of the most marginalised peoples.

We work also to promote the knowledge systems of indigenous peoples. Our Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems programme seeks global recognition of the importance of indigenous knowledge for understanding the impacts of climate change and for developing ways to adapt at the community level. It is vital we integrate this knowledge into global
approaches to climate change.

UNESCO acts also to protect endangered languages. We lead global efforts to monitor language vitality as an indicator of the status and trends of the traditional knowledge of indigenous and local communities. We work here in partnership, with the World Conservation Monitoring Centre’s Biodiversity Indicators Partnership and in the framework of the 2020 targets of the Convention of Biological Diversity.

On these foundations, UNESCO is now sharpening its comprehensive approach to supporting indigenous peoples. This is leading us to think today about the goals we set for the future, especially after 2015 and the Millennium Development Goals. Indigenous peoples have unique needs, but they have also universally-valuable experience to share on poverty reduction, equitable education, and environmental sustainaDevelopment in the 21st century must be crafted from within individual societies. It must meet local needs and fulfil the aspirations of indigenous peoples. This spirit guides UNESCO. This idea must inspire all governments and international organizations. In crafting their own futures, indigenous peoples are building a future of equity and justice for us all.

Invitation of Participation in the Celebration of IP Day in Sihanouk Province, Cambodia, 9th August 2011

Dear All Respective Brothers, Sisters and Friends Who Always Support Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia,

On behalf of IP Day Organizing Committee, we are pleased to invite all of you or your colleagues to participate in the upcoming “Celebration of International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples 2011 (IP Day 2011) in Sihanouk on the 9th of August”.

Please be informed that this year 2011, special theme of IP Day Celebration in Cambodia is “Traditions, Customs, Land, Forest and Livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples” and it has been interrelated with the global theme: “Indigenous designs: celebrating stories and cultures, crafting our own future“

This IP Day has been designed with five main proposed activities--(1). Marching, (2). Forum to celebrate the Day, (3). Indigenous Products and Materials Exhibition, (4). Press Conference, and (5). Cultural Night Performance. We expected the participants in this event about more than 500 peoples, mainly indigenous peoples, in Sihanouk province (organized by indigenous peoples themselves) and about 1000 peoples in Stung Treng (organized by Ministry of Rural Development and the item 3, 4, and 5 cancelled due to the limitation of funding).

Once again, thanks for your idea and kind contributions to support this Celebration of International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples 2011. All of your efforts and contributions have been pushed for this great movement.

We would also like to share you, of course, some of you might already got it, the Concept Note and Impact of IP Day Summary Report for your information in advance.

We would respectfully like to suggest all of you to kindly confirm us your participation or your colleagues participation and the number of participants that are going to come and participate in this upcoming event in Sihanouk province by 1 August 2011.
We are looking forwards to hearing from you.

Best regards and in solidarity,

On behalf of organizing committee

PHEAP Sochea

——————————————————————————————

Pheap Sochea (Mr.)

President, Cambodia Indigenous Youth Association (CIYA)

# 34, St. 222, Beung Raing, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Tel: (855)92 617 990; E-mail: pheapsocheaaips@gmail.com; http://ciyamedia.wordpress.com

Invitation to participate in IP Day Celebration 2011 in Sihanouk province, Cambodia

Dear respective IPNN members and Partners,

Greeting from Indigenous Peoples Organizing Committee (IRAM, OPKC, HA, & CIYA) of the International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples 2011 in Cambodia !!!

On behalf of Organizing Committee, we are pleased to inform you that based on the final decision making with the limitation of fund support in this event as we expected, we have collectively decided to choose one among the three province—Sihanouk, Preah Vihear & Stung Treng by voting. The Sihanouk province was chosen in this voting. Therefore, this year the indigenous organizing committee will celebrate the IP Day in Sihanouk province on the 9th August 2011.

However, we are going to send some community members to attend the IP Day celebration in Stung Treng which is organized by Department of Indigenous Development of Ministry of Rural Development.

Regarding the main program agenda in Sihanouk will still keep the same as proposed in the concept note ((i) parade, (ii) forum, (iii) exhibition, (iv) performance, and (v) press conference). But in Stung Treng, (i) the indigenous product exhibition, (ii) press conference and (iii) cultural night performance will be cancelled.

For the participants in the two regions—about 210 community members and organizers will be sent to Sihanouk and about 81 community members will go to Stung Treng to celebrate this event. This number excluded NGOs and partners colleagues.

We would like also to update the funding that we got so far eighteen thousand US dollars. And for the fund transferring through Bank Account, we organizing committee agreed to use Highlanders Association Bank Account (HA Bank Account).

We would suggest to all of you to forward this mail to other networks or for those who is not included in this mail list.

Best regards and solidarity,

On behalf of IP Organizing Committee

PHEAP Sochea, President of CIYA

IP DAY Impact Reflection Report (draft!!!)

Impact Reflection Report

of International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples

in Cambodia

 

By Pheap Sochea, CIYA

11 July 2011

 

 

Introduction

This report aims to highlight the impacts of the Celebration of International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia from 2005 to 2010. This report has been done by combination all of perspectives and observations of our brothers and sisters who worked on the field of indigenous peoples and those who have actively participated as the independence observers on the celebration of this special day for indigenous peoples. And also quote from the last year short assessment conducted at Siem Reap province with indigenous participants and the public.

However, there are some limitations of this impact assessment report; one is about the time constraints to gather the data for analyzing information to put in report. To gather this data, we sent an e-mail to call for IPNN members and independent observers to send any of their personal observations in this event impacts. In this period of time, only 6 persons responded to the request we sent. Secondly, the methodologies of data gathering was not well developed for get their personal reflections on the overall impacts of IP day. In the following points will show the impacts of IP Day:

Impacts of IP Day:

• It started in 2005. So far IP day event is held annually by all including IPO, NGOs, UN, and Government. It has more or less contributed to the development of policy, implementation at all levels to promote human rights of IPs.

• Public awareness about IP issues, and as motivation to IP and IPO to take more active role in governance and claim rights as indigenous community and person.

• The event was gradually changed the way of organizing—ownership & self-determination: indigenous people are gradually able to organize this event by themselves with more useful and creative programme to get more public attention such as cultural performance, traditional exhibition, parade, and press conference in the same day. For IPs organizing IP day it is a very empowering experience (like organizing the IP forum).

• 4 IP NGOs (IRAM, OPKC, CIYA and HA) was initiate to organize the 7th celebration of IP days in Cambodia in 2011. This is a step forward of promoting indigenous peoples ownership and self-determination to promote their rights and address their issues by their own. By making IP day bigger and bigger each year, the government will see that IPs are become better organized and more influential.

• Since 2005, basically indigenous peoples or IPNN had little bargaining rights to MRD, but last year 2010, we can celebrate IP day which more event such as (i) in the morning we match, (ii) we do exhibition, (iii) and show our cultural performance. These creative was successful because we attached more attention from public peoples- Cambodian and Foreigner and government. This cultural performance also broadcasted throughout the country. The matters of IP are now spread out and get more attention from the public and international communities. Public awareness increase from year to year: Since year 2005, the location to organize this change every year. This strategy to help promote the issue of indigenous peoples throughout the country. This will help community solidarity not only within indigenous peoples but other groups to come together for voice up to government demanding better solution.

• Speech: Most of IP speech and NGOs or INGOs always useful and constructive to inform the government of Cambodia to take action of addressing indigenous peoples issue. Even thought, the measure will immediately respond by the government but some progress and engagement made from legal issues to land issue intervention.

• Press conference: It is a very responsive action to follow up and inform the public on the commitment and promise claimed by government.

• Mobilization of solidarity to address indigenous peoples’ issues: Fifteen provinces of indigenous representatives came and shared their issues they are facing and lesson learned or successful stories for their respective communities when they get back. This learning process helped them on promoting self-reliance.  Organizing IP day is a way to bring together IPs, promoting the IP movement in Cambodia.

• The culture and information of IP have been officially known at national and international communities.

• Many Khmers knows IP much better about indigenous people now which they are changing from discriminative to supportive. And also it will raise the visibility of indigenous peoples in Cambodia. Still, most Cambodians and non-Cambodians never think for one second during the year about indigenous peoples.  

• The government is now more aware on IP concept and efforts. And there are some efforts by the government to address indigenous peoples mainly on regulations development. It will provide an opportunity for government officials to reaffirm the Cambodian government’s recognition of indigenous peoples and commitment to helping them. Remember, in almost all other Asian countries the governments do not recognize that there are indigenous peoples.

Challenge of Organizing of IP Day:

There are only two big events for indigenous peoples in Cambodia—IP day and IP Forum. These two events have complemented each other in terms of soft and hard advocacy approaches to claim for the rights of indigenous peoples in Cambodia respected and promoted. However, it seems that the every year, these events become unpopular since there is lack of evidences to show that these events are really the backbone to push for structural changes and engagement with government for addressing indigenous peoples issues range from legal aspect to promotion of indigenous peoples’ rights. Of course, there is lack of government support in this organization because most often indigenous peoples demand to address their issues as soon as possible.

Of course, depending on this event solely will not able to address the issues faced by indigenous peoples. Hard and soft, advocacy and engagement approaches are needed to support in addressing indigenous peoples’ issues. Especially, civil solidarity for acting collectively is strongly needed.

 Conclusion:

Above points showed that, the IP Day Celebration less or more celebration is show that there is positive change made to law and policy maker. Furthermore, the issues of indigenous peoples have been disseminated and voiced out throughout the country and to international communities. The Government intervention has been gradually made even though there are no systematic solution has been done (case of Suy Community).

 Recommendation

Basically, to do this report without comprehensive information and in-depth analysis with a time constraints, it will lead the limitations of the assessment quality. As suggestion, to make this analysis report more useful and critical the full assessment research should be conducted to find the out of this event organizing effectiveness.

IP Day Special Theme for 2011: Indigenous designs: celebrating stories and cultures, crafting our own future

As every year, the Secretariat of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (SPFII) is organizing the celebrations for the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, which will be held on 9 August at UN Headquarters.

The theme of this year is “Indigenous designs: celebrating stories and cultures, crafting our own future”, the event will include a panel discussion which will  focus on the spiritual aspect of designs in traditional wear as a way of expressing identity, art, intellectual knowledge and culture. We will consider the indigenous people’s concern about the appropriation of indigenous cultures and need of cultural preservation/revitalization; we will also review examples where indigenous peoples have participated or benefited in promoting their cultural designs. We will also talk about the need to raise indigenous peoples’ self-awareness on their rights in terms of ownership of their cultures, identities and traditions, which has to be complemented by the consumers’ responsibility and awareness that behind each piece of cloth and textile there is a story of an individual and his/her entire community.

After presentations from the panelists (Indigenous person, UN agency, academia), they will open the floor to contributions from the audience (NGOs and indigenous artist) in order to listen to stories and experiences of indigenous designs from around the world. As an introduction to the panel discussion, they would also like to screen a short film/documentary or film on indigenous designs and fashion from all over the world which may be related to one or more of the key messages they would like to convey on the occasion of the International Day.

Climate Change TV is offering US$5,000 for the best video on climate change – to be voted for by the public.

Climate Change TV is offering US$5,000 for the best video on climate change – to be voted for by the public.

Guidelines: (download the pdf)

Submission is free and all entries must be received by 31 July 2011 – this has been extended!

All contributions should relate to climate change and must have been produced since the Cancun Climate Change Conference (1 December 2010). It is open to everyone, worldwide, but should not have been published or produced for commercial gain elsewhere.

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