International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, 9 August 2008
- United Nations (UN): Statements and Messages
Includes messages from United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon; Acting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Kyung-wha Kang, and S. James Anaya, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people; Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Sha Zukang; and Chairperson of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Victoria Tauli-Corpuz. - Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO): Indigenous peoples threatened by climate change
Indigenous communities are often the custodians of unique knowledge and skills and the genetic and biological diversity in plant and animal production that may be vital in adapting to climate change… - International Labour Office (ILO): Highlighting the right of indigenous peoples everywhere to live and work in dignity
Experience has shown that the traditional occupations and rich heritage of indigenous peoples can be part of forward-looking and innovative development strategies based on inclusion and participation… - Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Honouring the contributions made by indigenous peoples, to sustaining life on earth
Indigenous peoples are stewards of the Earth’s biological diversity and their diverse cultures and languages are the pillars of humanity’s cultural diversity. This is especially true for indigenous women, who play a vital role in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity as guardians of traditional knowledge, and treasure keepers of seeds for their communities… - United Nations Forum on Forests: Recognizing the close link between the health and vitality of forests and that of the Indigenous communities that live in and near forests
As forest-dwellers, Indigenous Peoples are key players in sustainable development of these valuable ecosystems, while at the same time the cultural, spiritual, and economic importance of forest resources for Indigenous communities is undeniable… - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): Recognizing Indigenous efforts to maintain their distinctive cultures, socio-political systems and identities
UNDP supports those efforts within the context of the human development agenda, with its focus on allowing people to develop their full potential and lead productive, creative lives in dignity and in accordance with their needs and interests… - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): Celebrates the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
UNESCO appreciates the significant contribution of indigenous knowledge systems and world visions to sustainable development…
21 August 2008 at 8:32 am
Dear International Partners in Adopting, Promoting and Advancing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,
Thank you very much for your ongoing efforts in celebrating the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
Please join the interdependent international community in lighting a candle for Tibet and Tibetan people on August 23rd at 9:00 pm to illuminate the world with hope for freedom, peace and justice in Tibet. (www.candle4tibet.com)
Please join our world community in envisioning Tibet as a demilitarized zone of peace, harmony and protected natural beauty.
“Tibetans love their own culture and their way of life, but Chinese officials regard their urge to preserve their identity as a threat to the unity of China. It is much more practical to solve problems through dialogue rather than through confrontation…..Whether we commit ourselves or not is an individual choice to go forward with a single-minded devotion in spite of the obstacles. We must be determined and have an optimistic outlook. We cannot rewrite history but together we can determine the future.”
-Dalai Lama
http://www.dalailamamatters.com
“The last voice in regard to Tibet should be the voice of the people of Tibet…..”
-First Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, 1950
Thank you for your consideration and commitment to compassion, healing and reconciliation concerning the Tibetan Plateau and its indigenous peoples.
“I believe we can find a way for Chinese and Tibetans to live together with dignity, freedom and in the spirit of good neighborliness. I am convinced that we can achieve a “middle way” if we engage in a process that respects our differences and acknowledges that we have the ability and the means to solve our problems and help each other.”
“The Chinese leadership places great emphasis on harmony: an excellent goal. But in order to achieve it, there must be trust. Trust flows from equality and compassion. Suspicion creates restraint and is an obstacle to trust. Without trust, how can we develop genuine unity or autonomy?”
-Dalai Lama
Sincerely,
Dr. Amy Eisenberg
World Care Project Manager for Tibetan Projects (www.worldcare.org)
Center for World Indigenous Studies (www.cwis.org)
4 September 2008 at 5:31 am
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