THE SOUTH AND MESO AMERICAN INDIAN INFORMATION CENTER (SAIIC) ASKS THAT YOU
ACT IMMEDIATELY TO STOP THE FOLLOWING:
URGENT HUMAN RIGHTS ALERT
***For immediate release** *****October 20, 1993****
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD CALL FOR AN IMMEDIATE HALT OF THE HUMAN
GENOME DIVERSITY PROJECT
The Human Genome Diversity Project, a loose network of universities
and scientists in North America and Europe, has officially embarked on its
global mission to collect samples in order to "immortalize" the DNA make-up of
cultures considered to be on the brink of extinction so that "their role in
human history can be preserved." The Human Genome Diversity Project (in charge
of collecting samples)is part of the Human Genome Project (a broader
multinational, multi-billion dollar initiative seeking to map the human
genome), which is being funded by the U.S. National Institute of Health(NIH).
While the potential benefits of the project, such as discovering cures
to fatal diseases, should not be dismissed, the entire process must be
carefully scrutinized. According to RAFI, a non-governmental organization
monitoring the project, "The sampling of human genetic material fro scientific
research, has serious implications for Indigenous peoples." The fact is that
from beginning to end, the very people from whom the samples are being taken
are not being consulted during any stage of the process.
Profits made from patenting human genes, diversion of funds and the
potential for biological warfare are just a few of the issues surrounding the
Human Genome Diversity Project that have Indigenous peoples and support groups
demanding that the project be halted until moral, ethical, socio-economic,
physical and political implications have been thoroughly discussed, understood
and approved by Indigenous peoples involved.
We can not afford to sit idly as governments and multinational
corporations venture to make huge profits from the blood of Native people!!
YOUR IMMEDIATE ACTION IS NEEDED NOW!!
YOU CAN HELP STOP THIS INSIDIOUS PROJECT FROM CONTINUING UNTIL ALL PARTIES
HAVE BEEN PROPERLY CONSULTED. PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE TO EXPRESS
YOUR CONCERN AND OUTRAGE:
Dr. Francis Collins, Director NCHGR Ms. Donna Shalala
(National Center for Human Genome Research) 220 Independent Ave.
National Institute of Health - NCHGR Washington, D.C.
20201Building 38A Rm 605 ph:202.619.0257
9000 Rockville Pike fax:202.690.7230
Betheseda MD 20892
ph: 301.496.0844
fax: 301.402-0837
If you would like more information, please contact SAIIC , P.O. Box 28703,
Oakland, CA 94612
ph: 510.834-4263, fax 510.834-4264 e-mail, saiic@igc.org and/or RAFI Suite
504-71 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5N2 Canada, ph: 613.567.6880, fax:
613.567.6884 e-mail, rafican@web.apc. org
Please send copies of letters to SAIIC and RAFI
Sample Letter:
Dear________________:
I am writing in regard to the Human Genome Diversity Project. The
project has recently been brought to my attention and has made me very
concerned about the implications it holds for the world's Indigenous peoples.
The gathering of blood samples from people without prior consultation or
explanation of usage is, without question, wrong and unjust. Furthermore, the
notion that wealthy biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical companies could make
millions form these samples in addition to the imminent potential for
biological warfare is appalling to say the least.
In light of the situation, I strongly urge you to hold a meeting with
the World Indigenous Council so that fair and open dialogue can take place and
the peoples involved can voice their needs and perspectives as active
participants.
The time has come for vested interests to stop taking advantage of
people in order to pursue their own personal agenda. If the project continues
without proper notification to the Native people involved, I will be forced to
become part of an international campaign to stop the project.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.