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INAUGURATION IN GUATEMALA OF THE SIXTH MEETING OF NEGOTIATIONS ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

ANTIGUA, Guatemala—The Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Ambassador Albert R. Ramdin, speaking in Antigua today, reiterated condolences on behalf of the Organization for the tragedy afflicting the Guatemalan people as a result of Hurricane Stan and called upon the international community to adopt “unified and common strategies to mitigate and reduce the effects of natural disasters, especially among the most vulnerable sectors, which in many cases are the indigenous peoples.”

Ambassador Ramdin stressed that the OAS remains firmly committed to addressing the needs arising from natural disasters. “We will continue to address this issue as a matter of the utmost urgency and will accord it the political status it deserves in the inter-American system.”

Ramdin spoke at the inauguration of the Sixth Meeting of Negotiations in the Quest for Points of Consensus of the Working Group to Prepare the Draft American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and urged the governments of the Hemisphere to pool their resources and direct their policies toward satisfying the basic needs of all their populations, without exception or exclusion.

He called upon the member states and the representatives and organizations of the indigenous peoples to redouble their efforts in education, “a critical issue being addressed by the Declaration.” Ambassador Ramdin also underscored the importance of protection for children, adolescents, and women. “Concern for these vulnerable groups has become part of many human rights instruments and must become paramount in our discussions.”

The Assistant Secretary General expressed optimism regarding the progress to be made this week in the negotiations surrounding the text of the different articles, as well as the preamble, of the Declaration. “I am sure you can make a lot of progress not only at this very meeting but also from here to the thirty-sixth regular session of the General Assembly.” He thanked Ambassador Juan León, Alternate Representative of Guatemala to the OAS, for his efficient and dedicated work as Chair of the Working Group.

For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, Jorge Briz, welcomed the delegates and declared that Guatemala was “committed to forging an inclusive, multi-ethnic, and multilingual society imbued with respect for diversity and recognition of the identity of the indigenous peoples.” Briz thanked all those who had shown international solidarity in their efforts to mitigate the tragedy in his country.

The Spanish Ambassador to Guatemala, Juan López, also took part in the inauguration and announced his government’s decision to provide firm support for the discussion in various international fora on the rights of indigenous peoples. Manuela Cotí also spoke on behalf of the indigenous peoples.

Reference: E-130/05