Rights of Indigenous Peoples in South America
Roughly 4% of the entire world’s population is comprised of indigenous peoples, but there are many different groups that can qualify as such. (“UN Cyberschoolbus”) Two important aspects of ‘indigenous peoples’ that need to be taken into consideration are the group’s descent from long-standing population clusters present in a given area, (most likely from before there were official states formed,) and the maintenance of strong cultural identities including economic, social, and political institutions separate from mainstream or dominant societies and cultures. (“Policy on Indigenous Peoples”)
The United Nations has had a lot of involvement as a whole with the issue of indigenous peoples. There are three established bodies within the UN dedicated to these problems. These include the UN Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues, the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous Peoples in 2007, the General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, outlining the need for the protection of fundamental rights of aboriginal groups. (“UNFPII”) (“UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples”). Most recently there has been a Press Conference held discussing the advancements of President Evo Morales of Bolivia in working towards increased rights for indigenous peoples in the country. (“Press Conference on Indigenous Peoples in Latin America”).
This topic includes many of the overlooked indigenous populations, like those existing within the Amazon. In addition, this region has seen active uprisings or protests by indigenous populations. For example, in 2004, El Alto, Bolivia experienced the overthrow of an elected president due to disparity in policy. Following their Indian “indigenous traditions of justice,” the group had captured, beaten, and killed two cattle herders in the process. This uprising was thought to be exemplary of an emergence of ethnic politics in South America (“Indigenous People in South America: A Political Awakening”) .
Although much research and action has been taken directly for the known indigenous in these areas, there is still much left up to chance or guessing with those in these areas. By using this zone for my topic, it would allow delegates to uncover research done and utilize it in order to come up with original solutions, as opposed to rewording the resolution of a previous committee. It is for this reason why I think that this topic would be interesting to high school delegates. Many delegates have not needed to attain background or previous knowledge regarding indigenous groups due to the fact that they are isolated from each other, in that one has yet to affect the other’s daily life. This topic would allow them to gain a better understanding in an area they would not otherwise devote attention to.
