/* Written 12:24 am Dec 13, 1992 by newsdesk@igc.apc.org in
igc:ips.englibrary */ Copyright Inter Press Service 1992, all
rights reserved. Permission to re- print within 7 days of
original date only with permission from 'newsdesk'.
Title: UNITED NATIONS: BOUTROS-GHALI OPENS YEAR OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
[ My understanding is that the Year has been officially relabeled the
"Year of Indigenous People" (rather than "...Peoples") as the result
of a compromise. Apparently, the implications of any observance that
acknowledges peoples, which refers to distinct groups or societies,
rather than individuals, carries connotations which are unacceptable
to the established governments of U.N. member states. --Gary ]
new york, dec 10 (ips) -- the secretary general of the united
nations, boutros boutros-ghali, inaugurated the 'international
year of indigenous peoples' thursday and denounced the fact that
some 300 million native people around the world suffer social and
economic discrimination.
boutros-ghali said that guatemalan indigenous activist rigoberta
menchu, who received the 1992 nobel peace prize the same day, had
agreed to be the united nations' ''good-will ambassador'' during
the year.
''today, indigenous people are among the poorest, worst housed and
least paid. they usually have less access to education and welfare
than other members of society,'' the u.n. secretary general said.
according to boutros-ghali it is no coincidence that the year of
indigenous peoples was inaugurated on international human rights
day, as native people have historically been the victims of the
worst violations of human rights ever perpetrated.
currently, ''some governments view as subversive those who do not
share the sedentary lifestyle or the the majority culture,'' he
added.
nevertheless, boutros-ghali said there had been many advances in
the recognition of indigenous culture and the proliferation of
organisations fighting for their rights.
''the year 1993 will help to focus the united nations system on
the special situation of indigenous people and on their needs.
one aim of the year is to provide help to indigenous people and
communities in areas such as health, education, development and
environment.
''the emphasis must be placed on practical actions, in the form of
concrete projects that benefit indigenous people,'' he said.
the secretary general said ''it will take time for the
international community to achieve agreement on principles which
protect the rights of indigenous people, and yet take into account
the different situations around the world.''
''i believe that the year will be the starting point for two
partnerships -- one between indigenous people and states, and
another between indigenous people and the united nations.''
in addition, the u.n. general assembly has drafted a resolution
that calls on member nations to develop policies to make the year
more than a symbolic gesture. (more/ips)
----
united nations: boutros-ghali (2)
the resolution invites governments, non-governmental organisations
(ngos) and indigenous groups to work with the voluntary fund for
the year of indegenous peoples established by the secretary
general.
the resolution recognizes the serious problems facing indigenous
communities, including those outlined in ''agenda 21,'' a document
approved in june at the ''earth summit,'' to help promote
sustainable development around the world.
the general assembly is expected to approve the resolution friday,
when discussions continue on issue with addresses from numerous
indigenous organisations and official delegations.
(end/ips/trd/so/mg/cs/eli/92)
----