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3rd Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
United Nations Headquarters, New York
May 10-21 2004
Agenda Item: 4a
Economic and Social Development
Presented by Mrinal Kanti Tripura
Statement On behalf of
Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), Jumma Peoples’ Network, Trinamul, Taungya, Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum, Bawm Literature Forum, and Land is Life, USA
Greetings from the Indigenous Peoples of Bangladesh.
Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates and indigenous brothers and sisters, you are already familiar with the overall condition of the indigenous peoples of Bangladesh and how the Bangladesh government treats us. Where we do not have human rights and fundamental freedoms, where we are not treated as human beings, our lives is not considered as human life we cannot expect social and economic development.
Mr. Chair, alongside with the recommendations made by the Asia Caucus, based on the ground reality in Bangladesh, for the sustainable economic and social development of the indigenous peoples of Bangladesh, we have the following recommendations through the UNPFII to the relevant UN bodies, other Development organizations, Donor countries and Bangladesh government on behalf of aforesaid organizations:
- The Consortium of Donor and Lending Agencies of the Government of Bangladesh, together known as the “Bangladesh Development Forum” ask Bangladesh government for immediate and proper implementation of the CHT Accord of 1997;
- Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Peoples, recognition of their traditional right to land and control over natural resources thereby recognizing their right to self-determination;
- Stop Eco Park and National Park Programmes in Indigenous Areas;
- Prevent Land Alienation and Restore Possession of Alienated Lands;
- Demilitarization of Chittagong Hill Tracts;
- Full and Effective Participation of Indigenous Peoples in All Levels of Development Programmes;
- To abide by the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent of Indigenous Peoples;
- Meaningful Dialogue with indigenous peoples on Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP);
- To be respectful to the UN Declaration on the Right to Development;
- To initiate Right Based Development Programmes.
Thank you in advance Mr. Chair for your kind consideration. |
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