Naga theologian participates in UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues 12th session
Dimapur, May 30 (MExN): An expert consultation was organised in conjunction with the 12th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at New York from May 20 to 30, 2013.
The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) is an advisory body to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), with a mandate to discuss indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.
Dr. Wati Longchar, author of the world outstanding book, ‘Returning to Mother Earth’ the book listed among the fifteen world outstanding books published in 2012 in the field of World Christianity, was invited to present the issues and concerns of indigenous people in Asia.
Dr. Longchar highlighted how extractive one-sided development activities violate the right and dignity of indigenous peoples in Asia. He deplored the nations who deny the existence of indigenous people in Asia and insisted that recognition of the indigenous communities as first people of the land is the beginning of human-hood.
Dr. Longchar also urged the world communities to recognize indigenous worldview as distinct and unique spirituality and said, “The earth-centered spirituality of the indigenous people around the world has immense liberative potentiality to save the world from extractive industrialization.” In order to explore the possibility of advocacy strategy on indigenous people’s rights, Dr. Longchar appealed to world communities to facilitate a gathering of “World Alliance of Indigenous Peoples” to strengthen indigenous people struggle for the land and cultural rights of indigenous people.
While asking about his opinion on The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted in September 3, 2007, Dr. Longchar said, “The declaration is not a threat, but a call to work together to protect life. All governments must respect this declaration and work towards protection of life for the present and future generation.”
Dr. Longchar also mentioned that a process has been initiated at the UN, ultimately leading to a proposed world conference on indigenous issues to be held in conjunction with the first week of the UN General Assembly in September 2014.
