Topic B: Development

Hello everyone, it's Katie again! i just wanted to give you some more information regarding indigenous peoples and development. See you all very sooooooon!

A common theme is history of developing societies is conflict with indigenous people. As countries develop culture, land and traditions are challenged and rights are often violated. So the question is how do indigenous societies develop or coincide along with the development?

In a recent report issued by the United Nations conducted by independent expert suggest that indigenous populations should be given the tools to ensure they may align their way of life and culture with development. For example, as nations develop and expand land becomes a very valuable commodity, and land is cleared and industrialized, land which potentially could belong to indigenous people. The situation automatically becomes an problem. The expert, James Anaya, emphasized unless cooperation is incorporated into development projects and rights of indigenous then there is a possibility for violations to happen. He says,

"Within both of these areas of concern, there is a need for governments to decidedly fold into development programmes the goal of increasing indigenous self-determination,” and "It is evident that throughout the world, indigenous peoples are not adequately consulted, nor is their consent obtained, when decisions affecting their rights or interests are made,”

For the full report: http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N10/479/13/PDF/N1047913.pdf?O...

For more sources for issues dealing with indigenous people and their rights check out: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/en/issues.html

Work Cited:
http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=41979&t=UN+expert+urges+al...
(plus above two sites)