Co-Development of FPIC Protocols: From the Ecuadorian Amazon to the Forests of Kenya
Knowledge exchange and collaboration is one of the most effective and innovative ways we can support Indigenous peoples and their rights to self-determination. At Land is Life, we seek to empower our partners by providing inclusive methodologies that involve all members of a community. On that note, we are excited to share a recently launched partnership with Ogiek Peoples’ Development Program in Kenya as part of our program for developing Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) protocols with Indigenous communities. FPIC is a necessary legal and political tool that promotes self-determination and enables Indigenous peoples to protect rights to their lands, territories, identity, cultural patrimony, and overall cosmovision. It is based on each community’s own norms, vision of development, and systems of communal decision-making and justice—all fundamental rights protected by ILO Convention 169 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. FPIC protocols promote political participation and ensure that Indigenous peoples themselves are the first to decide on projects or other initiatives that may affect their territories and rights. From Latin America to Africa After a successful co-development process of FPIC protocols with the Kichwa Indigenous People of Sarayaku in the Ecuadorian Amazon, Land is Life has begun working with Ogiek Peoples’ Development Program (OPDP), an Indigenous grassroots partner based in Kenya, with the goal of jointly elaborating a protocol specific to the Ogiek Peoples. The core of Land is Life’s unique and innovative approach on FPIC is based on the fact that the protocols are developed for and by the Indigenous communities themselves in an all-inclusive manner. “For us, consent is an expression of self-determination,” explains David Suarez, Land is Life’s FPIC Program Coordinator. “It is not simply a process of consultation to say yes or no to a project, but a way of balancing the dialogue between Indigenous societies and states. It is the recognition of the right of Indigenous peoples to make their own decisions and generate through dialogues the exercise of consent. This in itself is a process of historical reparation of their condition of subjects as Indigenous peoples.” The first phase of the initiative, led by the Kichwa Indigenous People of Sarayaku, took place over the course of eight months. The process involved the participation of all Sarayaku community members and included a series of in-depth interviews with authorities, political and spiritual leaders, as well as roundtable discussions with women and youth groups of the Sarayaku community. Process in Kenya The Ogiek Peoples are one of the last groups of hunter-gatherers in Kenya and have a leading role as guardians of their local ecosystem, conserving and protecting land and natural resources in the Mau Forest. The expansion of agricultural cultivation, logging, and charcoal production, among others, have disrupted the community’s peaceful existence in their ancestral land. Massive exploitation of their forest resources is often carried out without any prior consultation or participation of the directly affected population. OPDP works to promote and advocate for the participation, self-determination, and human rights of the members of the Ogiek community for sustainable development. By increasing the Ogiek Peoples’ knowledge of FPIC, they will have the means to better defend their territories and rights from invasive practices and industries. In August, the collaborative partnership kicked off for developing FPIC protocols for the Ogiek Peoples. This initiative is jointly designed and implemented by the teams of OPDP and Land is Life, which is providing technical expertise based on the mentioned successful experience among Indigenous peoples in Latin America. Suarez has led two virtual workshops for OPDP as a first step to exchange experiences and understand the Ogiek Peoples’ current consultation and consent processes. During the second virtual session, Daniel Santi, member of the Governing Council of the Kichwa Indigenous People of Sarayaku, shared two of the main challenges faced during their process: “We had trouble trying to decipher a way of obtaining consent from the protective beings that live in our territory. Many times, the State doesn’t understand the relationship we have with the Kawsak Sacha or Living Jungle,” Santi said. “Another great challenge was mobilization due to our geographic zone.” On his behalf, Daniel Kobei, Executive Director of OPDP, acknowledged that “FPIC protocols will be an advocacy tool for the Ogiek Peoples’ negotiations, especially for their benefit when sharing their natural resources with others. Ours will be a very inclusive process where opinion leaders, women, and youths will be involved. We are pleased with the support of Land is Life and the guidance of the Kichwa Indigenous People of Sarayaku.”
Codesarrollo de protocolos CLPI: De la Amazonía ecuatoriana a los bosques de Kenia
El intercambio de conocimientos y la colaboración es una de las formas más efectivas e innovadoras en que podemos apoyar a los pueblos indígenas y su derecho a la autodeterminación. En Land is Life, buscamos empoderar a nuestros aliados al proporcionar metodologías inclusivas que involucren a todos los miembros de una comunidad. En ese sentido, nos complace compartir una asociación recientemente lanzada con el Programa de Desarrollo de los Pueblos Ogiek en Kenia como parte de nuestro programa para desarrollar protocolos de Consentimiento Libre, Previo e Informado (CLPI) con comunidades indígenas. El CLPI es una herramienta legal y política necesaria que promueve la autodeterminación y permite a los pueblos indígenas proteger los derechos a sus tierras, territorios, identidad, patrimonio cultural y cosmovisión en general. Se basa en las propias normas de cada comunidad, su visión del desarrollo y los sistemas de toma de decisiones y justicia comunitarios, todos derechos fundamentales protegidos por el Convenio 169 de la OIT y la Declaración de las Naciones Unidas sobre los derechos de los pueblos indígenas. Los protocolos del CLPI promueven la participación política y aseguran que los propios pueblos indígenas sean los primeros en decidir sobre proyectos u otras iniciativas que puedan afectar sus territorios y derechos. El enfoque innovador de Land is Life sobre el CLPI se basa en un sistema de protocolos creados para y por los propios pueblos indígenas. De América Latina a África Después de un exitoso proceso de codesarrollo de protocolos CLPI con el Pueblo Originario Kichwa de Sarayaku en la Amazonía ecuatoriana, Land is Life ha comenzado a trabajar con el Programa de Desarrollo del Pueblo Ogiek (OPDP), un socio de base indígena con sede en Kenia, con el objetivo de elaborar conjuntamente un protocolo específico para el Pueblo Ogiek. El enfoque único e innovador de Land is Life sobre el CLPI se basa en el hecho de que los protocolos son desarrollados para y por las propias comunidades indígenas de una manera inclusiva. “Para nosotros, el consentimiento es una expresión de autodeterminación”, explica David Suárez, Coordinador del Programa CLPI de Land is Life. “No es simplemente un proceso de consulta para decir sí o no a un proyecto, sino una forma de equilibrar el diálogo entre las sociedades indígenas y los estados. Es el reconocimiento del derecho de los pueblos indígenas a tomar sus propias decisiones y generar a través del diálogo el ejercicio del consentimiento. Esto en sí mismo es un proceso de reparación histórica de su condición de sujetos como pueblos indígenas. “ La primera fase de la iniciativa, dirigida por el Pueblo Originario Kichwa de Sarayaku, tuvo lugar en el transcurso de ocho meses. El proceso involucró la participación de todos los miembros de la comunidad Sarayaku e incluyó una serie de entrevistas de profundidad con autoridades, líderes políticos y espirituales, así como mesas redondas con mujeres y grupos de jóvenes de la comunidad Sarayaku. Proceso en Kenia Los pueblos Ogiek son uno de los últimos grupos de cazadores-recolectores en Kenia y lideran un papel importante como guardianes de su ecosistema local, conservando y protegiendo la tierra y los recursos naturales en el bosque Mau. La expansión del cultivo agrícola, la tala y la producción de carbón vegetal, entre otros, han interrumpido la existencia pacífica de la comunidad en sus tierras ancestrales. La explotación masiva de sus recursos forestales a menudo se lleva a cabo sin ninguna consulta previa o participación de la población directamente afectada. OPDP trabaja para promover y abogar por la participación, la autodeterminación y los derechos humanos de los miembros de la comunidad Ogiek para el desarrollo sostenible. Al aumentar el conocimiento de los pueblos Ogiek sobre CLPI, tendrán los medios para defender mejor sus territorios y derechos de las prácticas e industrias invasivas. En agosto, comenzó la asociación de colaboración para desarrollar protocolos de CLPI para el pueblo Ogiek. Esta iniciativa es diseñada e implementada conjuntamente por los equipos de OPDP y Land is Life, que está proporcionando conocimientos técnicos basados en la experiencia exitosa mencionada entre los pueblos indígenas en América Latina. Suárez ha dirigido dos talleres virtuales para OPDP como un primer paso para intercambiar experiencias y comprender los procesos actuales de consulta y consentimiento del pueblo Ogiek. Durante la segunda sesión virtual, Daniel Santi, miembro del Consejo de Gobierno del Pueblo Originario Kichwa de Sarayaku, compartió dos de los principales desafíos enfrentados durante su proceso: “Fue complejo tratar de descifrar una forma para obtener el consentimiento de los seres protectores que viven en nuestro territorio. Muchas veces, el Estado no entiende la relación que tenemos con el Kawsak Sacha o Jungla Viviente”, dijo Santi. Otro gran desafío fue la movilización debido a nuestra zona geográfica.” Por su parte, Daniel Kobei, director ejecutivo de OPDP, reconoció que “los protocolos de CLPI serán una herramienta de apoyo para las negociaciones del pueblo Ogiek, especialmente para su beneficio al compartir sus recursos naturales con otros. El nuestro será un proceso muy inclusivo donde participarán líderes de opinión, mujeres y jóvenes. Estamos satisfechos con el apoyo de Land is Life y la guía del Pueblo Originario Kichwa de Sarayaku. “
Land is Life anuncia la búsqueda de un nuevo director ejecutivo
La organización Land is Life es una red internacional de comunidades y organizaciones indígenas con casi tres décadas de historia de logros significativos en la lucha mundial por los derechos de los pueblos indígenas. Apoyamos a los pueblos indígenas en sus esfuerzos por practicar la autodeterminación y proteger sus derechos colectivos a las tierras, territorios y recursos. Desarrollamos la capacidad de las comunidades para acceder a fondos y fortalecer sus propios medios de vida. Trabajamos de manera coordinada para promover los derechos de los pueblos indígenas ante los órganos de formulación de políticas nacionales e internacionales. En un contexto donde el colonialismo y la verticalidad aún prevalecen, Land is Life se destaca como una organización única sobresaliente. Los pueblos indígenas y sus organizaciones representativas juegan un papel central en nuestra estructura de gobierno. Esta estructura garantiza que nuestro trabajo sea transparente, centrado en las prioridades identificadas por los propios pueblos indígenas y tenga la flexibilidad necesaria para responder a desafíos y oportunidades inesperados. Transición Después de casi ocho años al frente de la organización, Casey Box dejará el cargo de Director Ejecutivo, dejando un legado inspirador y perdurable. Esta decisión se tomó en el transcurso de muchos meses a través de conversaciones entre Casey, nuestra Junta Directiva, el personal y nuestros compañeros. Casey ha brindado un liderazgo estratégico excepcional para el avance de los derechos de los pueblos indígenas, trabajando para abordar temas tan diversos como: la seguridad de los activistas comunitarios; consentimiento previo, libre e informado, y proteger a los pueblos que viven en aislamiento voluntario y de contacto inicial. Solo el año pasado, bajo el liderazgo de Casey, apoyamos directamente a más de 200 comunidades y organizaciones indígenas. Casey desempeñará un papel clave para garantizar que la búsqueda de nuestro nuevo Director Ejecutivo sea exitosa y se compromete a apoyar a Land is Life de nuevas maneras en el futuro. La oportunidad Durante los últimos diez años Land is Life ha experimentado un crecimiento significativo, estableciendo nuevos programas, construyendo relaciones sólidas con nuevos financiadores y apoyando una base creciente de socios de base. Mientras nos preparamos para entrar en nuestra cuarta década, nos complace anunciar que estamos buscando un nuevo Director Ejecutivo para dirigir Land is Life en su próxima fase de desarrollo. Land is Life busca un individuo creativo único con una amplia experiencia en los problemas / derechos de los pueblos indígenas y un historial establecido de trabajo en colaboración con las comunidades indígenas. Un/a pensador/a estratégico/a e innovador/a que esté comprometido/a con la misión de Land is Life, que pueda trabajar en problemas complejos con un equipo global dinámico y en colaboración con nuestra Junta y nuestros compañeros para garantizar que nuestro impacto y efectividad continúen creciendo. Ver y compartir la descripción del trabajo aquí
Land is Life announces search for our new Executive Director
The Organization Land is Life is an international network of Indigenous communities and organizations with a nearly three-decade history of significant achievements in the worldwide struggle for Indigenous Peoples’ rights. We support Indigenous Peoples in their efforts to practice self-determination and protect their collective rights to lands, territories, and resources. We build capacity for communities to access funding and strengthen their own livelihoods. We work in coordination to advance Indigenous peoples’ rights before national and international policy-making bodies. In a context where colonialism and verticality still prevail, Land is Life stands out as an ally and outstanding one-of-a-kind organization. Indigenous Peoples and their representative organizations play a central role in our governance structure. This structure ensures that our work is transparent, focused on priorities identified by Indigenous Peoples themselves, and has the flexibility necessary to respond to unexpected challenges and opportunities. The Transition After nearly eight years at the helm of the organization, Casey Box will be stepping down from the role of Executive Director, leaving behind an inspiring and enduring legacy. This decision was made over the course of many months through conversations between Casey, our Board of Directors, staff, and partners. Casey has provided exceptional strategic leadership to the advancement of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, working to address issues as diverse as: the security of community activists; free, prior and informed consent, and; protecting peoples living in voluntary isolation and initial contact. Last year alone, under Casey’s leadership, we directly supported over 200 Indigenous communities and organizations. Casey will play a key role in ensuring that the search for our new Executive Director is successful and is committed to supporting Land is Life in new ways moving forward. The Opportunity During the past ten years Land is Life has experienced significant growth, establishing new programs, building strong relationships with new funders, and supporting a growing base of grassroots partners. As we prepare to enter our fourth decade, we are excited to announce that we are looking for a new Executive Director to lead Land is Life in its next phase of development. Land is Life is searching for a unique, creative individual with wide-ranging expertise on Indigenous Peoples’ issues/rights, and an established record of working in collaboration with Indigenous communities. A strategic, innovative thinker who is committed to Land is Life’s mission, who can work on complex issues with a dynamic global team and will work in collaboration with our Board of Directors, team and partners to ensure that our impact and effectiveness continue to grow. VIEW AND SHARE THE JOB DESCRIPTION HERE
Honoring the Memory of Carlos Terena
On the evening of June 12, at sixty six years of age, Carlos Terena – creator and coordinator of the World Indigenous Games – returned to the spirit world. Carlos lived his life in a good way: struggling against injustice, working for future generations and – through traditional sports – transforming the suffering of communities in to hope and pride. He was a friend and a warrior who worked to strengthen indigenous cultures with an unbreakable passion and a heart full of humor. Carlos would remind me that the fight for indigenous peoples’ rights was not simply about politics; that it is a spiritual struggle. On behalf of Land is Life, we would like to tell Carlos’ family and relations that we grieve with you. Carlos will be missed, and his spirit will continue to guide our work. Brian Keane Board Chair Land is Life
Land is Life se solidariza con la movilización pacífica de los pueblos indígenas en Colombia
Land is Life expresa su solidaridad con las organizaciones indígenas colombianas que se encuentran desarrollando una protesta pacífica en defensa de sus derechos en del marco del Paro Nacional convocado por organizaciones de la sociedad civil. Nuestra solidaridad con los pueblos indígenas y sus organizaciones, en especial con la Minga Indígena del Consejo Regional Indígena del Cauca (CRIC), la Organización de los Pueblos Indígenas de la Amazonía Colombiana (OPIAC) y la Organización Nacional Indígena de Colombia (ONIC). De la misma manera, Land is Life expresa su profunda preocupación por las denuncias efectuadas por la sociedad civil colombiana y las organizaciones indígenas en torno a graves violaciones a los derechos humanos ocurridas en el marco de la represión a la protesta y uso excesivo de la fuerza policial contra los manifestantes. Tras 14 días de movilización, organizaciones de derechos humanos colombianas denuncian la muerte de más de 47 personas, 39 como consecuencia de heridas producidas por la fuerza pública, 900 detenciones arbitrarias y más de 500 desaparecidos. Desde el 27 de abril, organizaciones indígenas, campesinas, de estudiantes y sociedad civil iniciaron una movilización en protesta por diversas políticas implementadas por el gobierno, como una nueva reforma tributaria, reforma de salud y pensiones, el aumento de la desigualdad, contra la masacre de líderes sociales tras los acuerdos de paz y el retorno de las aspersiones con glifosato para erradicación de cultivos de coca, así como para demandar del respeto al derecho a la consulta previa, libre e informada para los pueblos indígenas. A manera de respuesta, el gobierno colombiano desoyó los llamados al diálogo realizados por actores locales e internacionales, desplegando a la polícia y el ejército, fuerzas entrenadas para enfrentar el conflicto interno y el narcotráfico, que ahora están siendo utilizadas para contener las protestas, incrementando exponencialmente de la violencia contra la sociedad civil. Múltiples organismos internacionales como ONU, la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos y la Unión Europea, han expresado su grave preocupación y condena a la violencia, exigiendo el respeto a los derechos humanos de todas las personas. Llamamos urgentemente al Estado colombiano a detener la represión contra la sociedad civil, particularmente hombres, mujeres y niños indígenas, recordando que es su deber adoptar medidas para proteger efectivamente los derechos fundamentales a la vida, la libertad, integridad, seguridad personal de los pueblos indígenas así como de todas las personas que habitan en su territorio.
Land is Life stands in solidarity with Indigenous peoples peaceful demonstrations in Colombia
Land is Life stands in solidarity with the Colombian Indigenous organizations that are peacefully protesting in defense of their rights within the ongoing National Strike mobilizations called by multiple civil society organizations, particularly the Indigenous Minga called by the Indigenous Regional Council of the Cauca (CRIC), the Organization of the Indigenous Peoples of the Colombian Amazon (OPIAC) and the National Indigenous Organization of Colombia (ONIC). Likewise, Land is Life expresses its grave concern over the complaints about large-scale violations of the Human Rights of Indigenous peoples and civil society during the mobilizations, condemning the violent repression exercised by the Colombian State security agencies and paramilitary groups. After 14 days of mobilization, Colombian human rights organizations denounce the death of more than 47 people, 39 as a result of injuries caused by the security forces, 900 arbitrary detentions, and more than 500 people disappeared. Since April 27, Indigenous, peasant, student, and civil society organizations began a mobilization in protest against various policies implemented by the government and their implications, such as a new tax reform, health and pension reform, the increase in inequality, the assasination of social leaders and activist by paramilitary groups, the return of health-threatening glyphosate aerial fumigations to eradicate coca crops, and demanding for respect for the right to prior, free, and informed consultation for Indigenous peoples. In response to these demonstrations, the Colombian government ignored calls for dialogue made by local and international actors, deploying police and army forces trained to confront the internal civil war and drug trafficking. These forces are being used to contain protests, increasing exponentially violence against civil society. Multiple international organizations such as the UN, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and the European Union have expressed their grave concern and condemnation of violence, demanding respect for the human rights of all the population. Since June 2020, Land is Life has implemented an emergency fund for the protection and security of communities, authorities, leaders, representatives, defenders, and activists managed directly by Indigenous organizations of the Colombian Amazon, focused on providing legal assistance, medical and psychological assistance, relocation, social assistance, security training, and community protection initiatives, managing to serve more than 50 communities in the region. Land is Life’s team is closely monitoring the situation and receiving distressing information directly from partner Indigenous organizations. We urgently call the Colombian government to stop violent repression against peaceful demonstrators, particularly Indigenous men, women, and children. We remind Colombian authorities that human rights violations are unacceptable and that it is their responsibility to adopt measures to effectively protect the fundamental rights for life, liberty, integrity, freedom of expression, and personal security of Indigenous peoples as well as of all the people who inhabit their territory.
Invitation: Join Land Is Life & Partners At The UN Permanent Forum On Indigenous Issues
Invitation: Join Land is Life & partners at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Starting today through April 30th, the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) twentieth session begins with the theme: “Peace, justice and strong institutions: the role of indigenous peoples in implementing Sustainable Development Goal 16”. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, session meetings and side events will take place in a hybrid format mostly virtual. You can watch the sessions live at UN WebTv Along with partner indigenous organizations from several regions of the world, Land is Life has prepared a set of special open activities to accompany and inform the discussions that will take place at the Forum. You are absolutely welcome to join us! April 28 – 11:00AM ET: Self-determination and recovery experiences of Indigenous Peoples from the Amazon facing COVID-19 REGISTER TODAY April 29 – 11:00AM ET: Indigenous Peoples Human Rights & Security Situation in Asia REGISTER TODAY
Webinar invitation: Vaccination against COVID-19 and protection for Indigenous Peoples in Isolation and Initial Contact
Urgent call: Solidarity with Bestang Dekdeken, Land is Life Asia Program Director and CPA Secretary General
Land is Life firmly stands in solidarity with Bestang Dekdeken, Land is Life Asia Program Director and Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) Secretary General, who is currently being subjected to judicial harassment in another disturbing episode of the ongoing political persecution targeting CPA and other Indigenous organizations. Bestang was sued a month ago by a Cordillera police chief for cyber libel, accusing her of blaming him in a press conference of the dismantling of a memorial to Macli-ing Dulag, Pedro Dungoc, and Lumbaya Gayudan, three Kalinga leaders who successfully campaigned against the World Bank-funded Chico Dam project in the 1970s. After the lawsuit, an arrest warrant was issued, and Bestang appeared today at court with her legal counsel to post bail and face the case. The Cordillera police chief stressed that the demolition of the Dulag Memorial last month was based “on a Kalinga provincial resolution to remove the structure since it is being used by the CPA to recruit minors into communism while portraying Macli-ing Dulag as a member of the New People’s Army.” Last January, Land is Life publicly denounced the worrying deterioration of the human rights situation in the Philippines and the government’s campaign to falsely link CPA´s activists and other Indigenous leaders to the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army, both of which were labeled as terrorist organizations by the government in December 2018. This practice, known as “red-tagging”, is a political tactic to stifle dissent in the Philippines. The CPA claims that the information shared during the press conference was based on reports gathered from the community and the Kalinga Resolution that pointed to the police as responsible for the demolition of the monument. “Stating and presenting information differs from blatantly tarnishing someone by alleging one to be something they’re not, especially if bereft of proof. Dekdeken has been clear in mentioning the community as reference for the accounts of what happened prior to the dismantling of the structure” -CPA asserted. Land is Life believes that this is another case of judicial harassment against the Cordillera Peoples Alliance, an independent federation of grassroots-based Indigenous organizations and communities in the northern Cordillera Region. Last December, an arrest warrant was issued for CPA Chairperson Windel Bolinget, based on a trumped-up case of murder. On March the 9th, a court recalled the warrant and ordered prosecutors to reinvestigate the charges again. We strongly condemn the intensification of defamation, attacks, detentions, and other forms of state persecution against Indigenous leaders and organizations, and call on the Philippine Government to end this deadly campaign; conduct independent investigations into ‘red-tagging’ and other forms of harassment; and prosecute those found responsible for human rights violations. Further, we call on government officials in the Philippines, including President Duterte, to end the ongoing incitement of extrajudicial killings and immediately implement the recommendations of the UN High Commissioner’s 2020 Report. #DefendCordilleraPH