Articles 6-10
6) Indigenous peoples have the right to a nationality.
7) Indigenous peoples have the right to life, individually and as a group.
8) Indigenous peoples have the right not to be assimilated.
9) Indigenous peoples have the right to belong to an Indigenous community.
10) Indigenous peoples have the right to stay and live on their land.
Discussion
Nationality means that you are recognized by a government as a citizen of a country. You could get a passport and or an ID card from your country. Some Indigenous peoples face discrimination and are unable to get an ID card or a passport from the country that they and their ancestors have lived in. This is the case for Indigenous peoples in Thailand. Even though they have lived in the country for generations, they are not legally recognized by the Thai government. This makes them unable to travel, vote, work or access health care.
The Jarawa people of the Andaman Islands (India) live a very traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle and wish to remain living like this. The way that they are being treated by tourists and tour companies takes away their dignity. The government of India is also discussing about forcibly assimilating the Jarawa into mainstream Indian culture. The Jarawa have a right to live in their community, to follow their traditional lifestyle and remain on the Andaman Islands without being a tourist attraction.
The Karen Indigenous peoples in Thailand face a number of difficulties. This video from the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pack shows how the Karen people were forced out of their community as it was located in what became a national park. Being forced off their land was a traumatic experience and life in their new community is difficult.
Reflection and Activities
1) Find out the process of getting an ID card and a passport for your country. Are there restrictions for certain groups of people?
2) Imagine you are a leader in the Jarawa community. What could you do to protect your peoples rights?
3) Consider the pros and cons of National Parks. Is there a way for Indigenous peoples to continue living on their land and have National Parks at the same time?
4) Research about protected natural areas in your area. Where there ever Indigenous peoples living on them? How were they removed?
6 responses to “Life and Security”