20 September 2011 – Extraction of natural resources and other major development projects in or near the territories of indigenous peoples is one of the most significant sources of abuse of their human rights worldwide, an independent United Nations expert warned today.
“In its prevailing form, the model for advancing with natural resource extraction within the territories of indigenous peoples appears to run counter to the self-determination of indigenous peoples in the political, social and economic spheres,” the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples James Anaya told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

In a report based on answers to a questionnaire he distributed to governments, indigenous peoples and organizations, business corporations and other actors, he cited conflicting viewpoints on the potential adverse impact and benefits of such activities as mining, forestry, oil and natural gas extraction and hydroelectric projects in indigenous territories.

He said he had made it a priority to reconcile the differing views and courses of action to ensure the full protection of indigenous rights and promote best practices through a broad dialogue with governments, indigenous peoples’ organizations, corporate actors and international institutions, in which consensus-building would be a key element.

“The lack of a minimum common ground for understanding the key issues by all actors concerned entails a major barrier for the effective protection and realization of indigenous peoples’ rights,” he added, praising a new Peruvian law compelling private companies to consult indigenous communities before going ahead with major projects such as mining.

Among key concerns, Mr. Anaya included the gradual loss of control by indigenous peoples over lands, territories and natural resources; water source depletion and contamination for drinking, farming and grazing; the adverse effects of water and airborne pollution on overall community health; and an increase in infectious diseases spread by interaction with workers or settlers.

Another concern was the adverse impact on indigenous social structures and cultures, including alarming rates of alcoholism and prostitution previously unheard of among such peoples, imported by illegal loggers or miners, non-indigenous workers and industry personnel in specific projects, and increased traffic due to the construction of roads and other infrastructure.

“Submissions by indigenous peoples and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also reported an escalation of violence by government and private security forces as a consequence of extractive operations in indigenous territories, especially against indigenous leaders,” Mr. Anaya noted. “A general repression of human rights was reported in situations where entire communities had voiced their opposition to extractive operations.”

Several governments highlighted the key importance of natural resource extraction projects for their domestic economies that, reportedly accounting for up to 60 to 70 per cent of the gross national product (GNP) in some countries, with positive benefits for indigenous peoples.

Mining companies noted that indigenous peoples have been direct beneficiaries of basic infrastructure construction such as roads, communications, electricity and water services, as well as health and educational opportunities.

But most indigenous peoples underscored the adverse effects on their environment, culture and societies, which they said outweighed the minimal or short-term benefits arising out of extractive operations.

For example, a member of the Pemon people of Venezuela reported that benefits from extractive industries were not a top priority within the community, which sought “healthy communities, with no infections, in a pollution-free environment,” Mr. Anaya said.

Similarly, an organization representing the traditional authorities of the Cofan people of Colombia concluded that “indigenous peoples are left with no option other than to try to find something positive for their communities out of the disaster left behind by the extraction of oil, mineral, and other resources” in their lands.

“The vast majority of indigenous peoples’ responses, many of which stemmed from the direct experience of specific projects affecting their territories and communities, rather emphasized a common perception of disenfranchisement, ignorance of their rights and concerns on the part of States and businesses enterprises, and constant life insecurity in the face of encroaching extractive activities,” Mr. Anaya said.

ULAM (Unión Latinoamericana de Mujeres) has issued a statement about the recent dramatic events in Peru. See below for text in Spanish.

RED UNIÓN LATINOAMERICANA DE MUJERES POR EL DERECHO A
DEFENDER NUESTROS DERECHOS – ULAM –

EN SOLIDARIDAD CON LAS COMUNIDADES INDÍGENAS DE LA
AMAZONÍA PERUANA

Las organizaciones y grupos de mujeres asociadas a la Red Unión Latinoamericana de Mujeres Por El Derecho A Defender Nuestros Derechos – ULAM –

Condenamos Enérgicamente

Los Brutales ataques de las fuerzas de seguridad nacionales del Perú en contra de las comunidades de la Amazonía, en particular en la ciudad de Bagua, que dieron como resultado el asesinato de un número indeterminado de campesinos por su lucha y resistencia para proteger el territorio ancestral de la incursión de las compañias transnacionales petroleras, mineras, madereras que buscan explotarlo en forma irresponsable.

Las atrocidades cometidas por aquellos quienes deberían proteger a la ciudadanía manchan con sangre y con deshonor no solamente al pueblo peruano, sino a todo el continente.

Nos unimos a la Exigencia de la derogación de los decretos legislativos 994, 995, 1020, 1060, 10064, 10081, 1089 y 1090 que afectan los legítimos derechos de los habitantes de la Amazonía y de los Pueblos Indígenas Peruanos. Estos decretos son inconstitucionales y violan las normas internacionales – en particular, el convenio 169 de la OIT. Tal como lo señala la Defensoría del Pueblo de Perú, los decretos en cuestión fueron aprobadas pasando por alto el debido proceso de consulta a los pueblos y las comunidades de la Amazonía.

Recordamos al gobierno peruano que la Amazonía es un patrimonio ecológico nacional y de enorme importancia a nivel global. El hecho que el gobierno esté dispuesto a permitir la destrucción de aquel patrimonio tan valioso por las transnacionales no ha pasado desapercibido en el resto del mundo. Las agencias de noticias y organizaciones internacionales, los gobiernos y las organizaciones no-gubernamentales – todos observan con estupor como el gobierno peruano encabezado por el Dr Alan García Pérez no solamente ha dado la luz verde a la depredación de la Amazonía, sino que tambien ha ordenado una sanguinaria represión contra aquellos ciudadanos que la protegen.

The BBC recently dedicated a part of its Crossing Continents radio programme on BBC4 to a piece by Bill Law on the Marlin mine in Sipacapa, Guatemala, under the title Canadian mine accused of causing skin infections.

This is the company which LAMMP-ULAM targets in Guatemala. Our forthcoming European Tour includes two delegates from Guatemala and the communities affected.

The full BBC article can be found here