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13th Session of United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous lssues
UN Headquarters, New York, 12-23 May 2014
Agenda Item 8:
Future work of the Permanent Forum, including emerging issues
Joint statement by
Ujana Larma Talukdar
on behalf of
Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum (Umbrella Organisation)
Parb atYa
"rlffi?Tl.iffi ffilati
S amiti
Maleya Foundation
Jum Chab Metta Foundation
E-mail: chtasg_asia@yahoo.com, mkchakma@gmail.com, pcjss.org@gmail.corn
Madame Chairperson, ladies & gentlemen,
On behalf of the indigenous peoples' organizations of Bangladesh, I would like to
recommend, for the future work of the Permanent Forum, to orgnanise series of
dialogues and consultations between the states and indigenous pioples regarding
recognition of identity and rights of indigenous peoples.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples stipulates,
"Indigenous
peoples
have the right to determine their own identity or membership
in accordance with their customs and traditions". However, many states around the
giobe, particularly in Asian countries, are reluctant to recognise the identity and
rights of indigenous peoples. This rnakes indigenous peoples, particularly in Asian
countries, more marginalized and vulnerable.
For example, in the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution made in 2011, the
govemment of Bangladesh ignored the demand of indigenous peoples
for
recognition of their fundamental rights including recognition of their identity as
indigenous peoples. However, the government of Bangladesh recognised cuiture
of indigenous peoples in this fifteenth arnendment merely stating that "the State
shall take steps to protect and develop the unique local culture and tradition of the
tribes, minor races, ethnic sects and communities". The terminologies of "tribes,
minor races, ethnic sects and communities" are not accepted to the indigenous
peoples.
It is crucial that the enjoyment of rights relating to culture is inseparably linked
with the enjoyment of other rights of the indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples'
rights to culture are closely related to their right of self-determination, and their
lands, territories and resources. The culture of the indigenous peoples are
interdependent pillars
on which the identity of a people is maintained. However,
Constitution of Bangladesh does not mention anything about the rights of
indigenous peoples to land and resources, and their political, economic, cultural
and social rights.
Against this backdrop, Permanent Forurn should take initiative to hold wide-range
dialogues and consultation between the states and indigenous peoples, particularly
in Asian countries, for the sake of peace building and conflict resolution aiming at
ensuring socio-economic development for Indigenous Peoples.
Thank you Mr. Chair.