Rio+20 Indigenous Peoples' International Declaration on Sustainable Development and Self-Determination
From Global Indigenous Wwomens Caucus
Rio+20 Indigenous Peoples' International Declaration on Sustainable Development and Self-Determination
by Global Indigenous Women's Caucus on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 1:18pm ·
Rio+20 International Conference of Indigenous Peoples on Self-Determination and Sustainable Development
19 June, 2012, Rio De Janeiro
Indigenous Peoples from all regions of the world met at the "Indigenous Peoples International Conference on Sustainable Development and Self Determination," from June 17th - 19th 2012 at the Museu da República in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
We thank the Indigenous Peoples of Brazil for welcoming us their homelands and express our solidarity for their struggles against imposed development such as the Belo Monte Dam which threaten their homelands and ways of life. We also thank indigenous peoples from all regions of the world for their preparatory activities and engagement in this process.
We affirm with one voice that it is time to assume the historical responsibilities to reverse centuries of predation, pollution, colonialism, the violation of rights and genocide. It is time to assume the responsibilities towards our future generations. It is time to choose life.
1. Culture as a fundamental dimension of Sustainable Development
As Indigenous Peoples, our fundamental cultural belief systems and world views based on our sacred relationships to each other and Mother Earth have sustained our peoples through time. We recognize the contributions and participation of our traditional knowledge holders, indigenous women and youth.
Cultures are ways of being and living with nature, underpinning our values, moral and ethical choices and our actions. Indigenous peoples' abiding survival is supported by our cultures, providing us with social, material, and spiritual strength. We believe that all societies must foster cultures of sustainability, and that Rio +20 should highlight culture as the most fundamental dimension of sustainable development.
2. Full Exercise of our human and collective rights
We see that Mother Earth and all life is in a serious state of peril. We see the current model of development continues to proceed on the road of peril. As indigenous peoples we have experienced the terrible and negative impacts of this approach. These threats extend to peoples in voluntary isolation.
Sustainable development is realized through the full exercise and fulfillment of human rights. Indigenous Peoples see sustainable development and self-determination as complementary. Progress in various countries has happened to the extent that States have fulfilled their duties to respect, protect and promote our human rights, while conflicts have escalated where governments have imposed top-down development, whether labeled "sustainable", "pro-poor" or "green". The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is the standard to be applied in the implementation of sustainable development at all levels, including respect for full participation in decision-making and our Free, Prior, Informed Consent (FPIC) to policies, programmes and projects affecting us.
3. Strengthening diverse local economies and territorial management
For Indigenous Peoples, self determination is the basis for Buen Vivir/ living well , and this is realised through secure land rights and territorial management and the the building of vibrant community economies. These local economies provide sustainable local livelihoods, community solidarity and are critical components of resilient ecosystems.
We will continue to strengthen and defend our economies and rights to our lands, territories and resources, against extractive industries, predatory investments, land-grabbing, forced relocation and unsustainable development projects. These include large scale dams, plantations, large-scale infrastructure , tar sands extraction and other mega-projects, as well as the theft and appropriation of our biodiversity and traditional knowledge.
From the conference emerged many answers to address the global crises, as varied as the many cultures present at the meeting. The greatest wealth is nature's diversity and its associated cultural diversity, both of which are intimately connected and which should be protected in the same way.
Indigenous peoples call upon the world to return to dialogue and harmony with Mother Earth, and to adopt a new paradigm of civilization based on Buen Vivir - Living Well. In the spirit of humanity and our collective survial, dignity and well-being, we respectfully offer our cultural world views as an important foundation to collectively renew our relationships with each other and Mother Earth and to ensure Buen Vivir/ living well proceeds with integrity.
Based on these affirmations and agreements, we commit to carry out the following actions:
Within and among Indigenous communities, Peoples and Nations
1) We will define and implement our own priorities for economic, social and cultural development and environmental protection , based on our traditional cultures, knowledge and practices, and the implementation of our inherent right to Self-determination
2) We will revitalize, strengthen and restore our institutions and methods for the transmission of our traditional knowledge and practices focusing on transmission by our women and men elders to the next generations
3) We will restore knowledge and trade exchanges, including seed exchanges, among our communities and Peoples reinforcing the genetic integrity of our biodiversity.
4) We will stand in firm solidarity with each other's struggles to oppose projects that threaten our lands, forests, waters, cultural practices, food sovereignty, traditional livelihoods, ecosystems, rights and ways of life. We also stand in solidarity with others whose rights are being violated, including campesinos, fishers and pastoralists.
Regarding Actions of States and Corporations:
1) We will continue to reject the dominant neo-liberal concept and practice of development based on colonization, commodification, contamination and exploitation of the natural world, and policies and projects based on this model.
2) We insist that States fully implement their commitments under National and International laws and standards which uphold the inherent, inalienable, collective and inter-generational rights of Indigenous Peoples and rights affirmed in Treaties, Agreements and Constructive Arrangements, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and ILO Convention No. 169.
3) We will reject and firmly oppose States policies and programs that negatively impact Indigenous Peoples' lands and territories, ecosystems and livelihoods, or which permit corporations or any other third parties to do so.
At the United Nations
1) We insist on full and effective participation in all discussions and standard setting activities regarding sustainable development, biodiversity, environment and climate change and for the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in all these processes.
2) We will carry these messages to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (WCIP, 2014) and all other International processes where our rights and survival are affected. We propose that Indigenous Peoples vision and practice of Sustainable Development be a focus of discussion at the WCIP.
We adopt this Declaration on the 19th of June, 2012, in Rio affirming our rights and reiterating our sacred responsibilities to future generations.
Adopted by networks, organizations, traditional leaders, spirituals leaders and indigenous peoples from the 7 regions of the world, participants of the Conference. Endorsed by Campamento Terra Livre- Cupula dos Povos.
CUPULA DOS POVOS -‐ RIO+20
Official Version (June 20, 2012)
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, NATIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, NETWORKS, FEDERATIONS AND UN EXPERTS WHO ARE SIGNATORIES TO THE RIO + 20 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' INTERNATIONAL DECLARATION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND SELF-DETERMINATION
Rio de Janeiro Brazil
June 19th, 2012
Los Pueblos, Naciones, Organizaciones, Redes, Confederaciones y Expertos de la ONU Indigenas que son firmantes de la Declaración Internacional de los Pueblos Indígenas sobre Desarrollo Sostenible y Libre Determinación Río+ 20
Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
19 de Junio de 2012
Nombres/Names
Regions/ Countries/ Regiones/ Paises
1. Tebtebba (Indigenous Peoples' International Centre for Policy Research and Education) 16 Indigenous partner organizations in 13 countries in Asia, Latin America, Africa, Global (based in Philippines)
2. Coordinadora Indígena de Centro América (CICA) 7 National Federations in 7 countries, Centro América
3. Coordinadora Indigena de Mesoamerica (CIMA), Mesoamérica
4. Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), 39 Indigenous Peoples' National Federations in 13 countries in Asia
5. Enlace Continental de Mujeres Indígenas de las Américas (ECMIA) - 29 member organizations in 21 countries in South, Central and North America
6. Mainyoto Pastoralists Integrated Development Organization (MPIDO) - coordinates the African Indigenous Peoples' Network on Climate Change, África
7. Coordinadora Indígena de la Cuenca Amazónica (COICA), members include National Federations of Indigenous Peoples' Organizations in 9 Amazon Basin Countries in South America
8. International Indian Treaty Council/Consejo Internacional de Tratados Indios (IITC/CITI), affiliates from Arctic, North, Central, South America, Pacific and Caribbean, Global
9. Coordinadora Andina de Organizaciones Indígenas (CAOI - Coordination of Indigenous Organizations in Andean Countries), Andes
10. Foro Internacional de Mujeres Indígenas (FIMI), Global
11. Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples in the North (RAIPON), Russia
12. Alianza de Mujeres Indígenas de México y Centroamérica, Mexico, Central America
13. First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, Canada
14. Saami Council (Saami communities and organizations in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia), Arctic
15. Indigenous Peoples' Organizations Network of Australia, Australia
16. Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC), Africa
17. UNISONS Nous Pour la Promotion des Batwa (UNIPROBA), Africa
18. National Indigenous Women Federation (NIWF), Nepal
19. Asian Indigenous Women's Network (AIWN) - Indigenous women's organizations in 13 countries in Asia
20. Consejo Regional de la Región Autónoma Atlántico Norte RAAN, Nicaragua
21. Centro para la Autonomía y Desarrollo de los Pueblos Indígenas (CADPI), Nicaragua
22. Indigenous Women's Network of Thailand, Thailand
23. He Waka Matanrango, Pacific
24. Cook Island Civil Society, Pacific
25. Cordillera Peoples' Alliance, Philippines
26. Chepkitale Indigenous Peoples' Development Project, Kenya
27. Dene Nation, Canada
28. Northwest Territories Regional Office, Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Canada
28. Arctic Athabascan Council, Canada and Alaska
29. Hillala Moroc Pour le Solidaritas, Morocco
30. Association of Indigenous Leaders of Surinam, Surinam
31. Community Research and Development Services (CORDS), Tanzania
32. Inter-Ethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Amazon (AIDESEP), Peru
33. Conselho Indigena da Roraima (CIR), Brazil
34. First Nations Summit, Canada
35. Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nations (NEFIN) -59 indigenous peoples in Nepal, Nepal
36. Aliansi Masyarakat Adat Nusantara (AMAN, Federation of Indigenous Organizations and Communities in Indonesia) - 2000 communities and organizations with 15 million members, Indonesia
37. Coordinadora Nacional de Mujeres Indígenas de la Argentina (CONAMI), Argentina
38. Asociación de Mujeres Indígenas de la Costa Atlántica (AMICA), Nicaragua
39. Coordinadora Nacional de Mujeres de México, México
40. Centro de Cultura Indígenas del Perú (CHIRAPAQ), Peru
41. Coordinadora Nacional de Communidades Afectadas por la Mineria (CONACAMI), Peru
42. Confederacion Sindical Unica de Trabajadores Campesinos de Bolivia (CSUTCB), Bolivia
43. Bangsa Adat Alifuru, Maluku, Pacific
44. Organization for Indigenous Peoples of Surinam (OIS), Surinam
45. Federation of Autonomous Organizations of French Guiana (FOAG), French Guyana
46. Red de Jóvenes de la Alianza Global
47. Organization of Indigenous Peoples of the Colombian Amazon (OPIAC), Colombia
48. Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), Guyana
49. Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon (COIAB), Brazil
50. Regional Organizations for Indigenous Peoples of the Amazon (ORPIA), Venezuela
51. Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of the Ecuadorian Amazon (CONFENIAE), Ecuador
52. Confederation of Indigenous Peoples of Bolivia (CIDOB), Bolivia
53. Consejo Nacional de Ayllus y Markas de Qullasuyu (CONAMAQ), Bolivia
54. Articulaçao de Povos Indigenas do Sul (ARPINSUL), Brazil
55. Articulação do Povos Indigenas do Nordeste Minas Gerais e Espirito Santo (APOIME), Brazil
56. Articulação dos Povos Indigenas do Sudeste (ARPINSUDESTE), Brazil
57. Centro Mocovi. Argentina
58. Conselho Continental da Nação Guarani (CCNAGUA), Brazil
59. AYSICCIKS, Africa
60. Red Nacional de Jóvenes Indígenas de Venezuela, Venezuela
61. Consejos de Ayllus Originarios de Potosi, Bolivia
62. Centro de Proyectos para el Desarollo Integral Indigena (CEPRODI), Guatemala
63. Confederacion de Nacionalidades Indigenas de Ecuador (CONAIE), Ecuador
64. Inuit Circumpolar Council, Greenland
65. Organizacion Indigena de Anitoquia (OIA), Colombia
66. Association of Indigenous Chadian Women (AFPAT), Chad, Africa
67. Naga Women's Union in Manipur (NWUM), India
68. SPECTRUM (SDKN), Burma
69. Comunidad Indigena Hitorangi Rapa Nui, Pacific
70. Fundación para la Promoción del Conocimiento Indígena (FPCI), Panama
71. Bartolina Sisa, Bolivia
72. Chief Devasish Roy - Member, UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), Asia Indigenous Expert, Bangladesh
73. Valmaine Toki - Member, UNPFII, Pacific Indigenous Expert, New Zealand
74. Grand Chief Ed John - Chair, UNPFII, North America Indigenous Expert. Canada
75. Myrna Cunningham - Member, UNPFII, Latin America Indigenous Expert, Nicaragua
76. Francisco Cali Tzay - Vice President (UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, CERD), Guatemala
77. Vital Bambanze - Member, Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), Burundi
Also endorsed by the 2,000 Indigenous Peoples' representatives who participated in the IX Terra Livre Encampment at the Rio + 20 Peoples' Summit
Ratificado también por los 2,000 representantes de los Pueblos Indigenas que participaron en IX Acampamento Terra Livre en la Cumbre de los Pueblos por Rio + 20(Cupula dos Povos RIO+20)
____________________________
With support from:
- The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
- The Ford Foundation
- Fondo para el Desarrollo de los Pueblos Indígenas de América Latina y El Caribe
Also with support from the following Non-governmental Organizations :
- International Working Group on Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA)
- Forest Peoples' Programme
- ALMACIGA
Photo by Ghazali Ohorella