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The Alliance For Change joins with all Guyanese during September 2008 in celebrating the rich culture of Guyana’s first people, as we observe Amerindian Heritage month under the theme, ‘Inspiring our nation to move forward in Unity’.
Just a year ago on the 13 Sep 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations overwhelmingly backed the protection for the human rights of indigenous peoples, adopting a landmark declaration that brought to an end nearly 25 years of contentious negotiations over the rights of native people to protect their lands and resources, and to maintain their unique cultures and traditions.
The AFC has however noted the recent requests from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to the Government of Guyana for information, which confirms the full rights of Guyana’s indigenous peoples over their lands are being respected. The recent deaths of several young persons in hinterland communities inform us that the basic necessities such has access to education in a safe and secure environment are still being denied and that is an indictment not only on the government of the day, but on all Guyanese as we still have rivers to cross before we arrive at a place of true respect for all and unity of all.
The Party reiterates its full support of this UN Declaration on Indigenous Rights, that the time has come for all to recognize that the socio-economic development of Guyana’s indigenous peoples and their communities cannot be achieved without their full participation in the decision making processes, and that their informed consent must first be sought where natural resources exploitation would have a direct affect on their immediate environment.
Happy Heritage Month!
For more information contact:
AFC PR
623-8924
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