Amnesty International condemned the latest Summit of the Americas for not addressing some of the most imporant human rights abuses in the Americas, including the oppression of indigenous people groups. The following was included in their media release:
Amnesty International said that it was also deeply concerned that the Summit process excluded important voices from being heard in a meaningful way, particularly Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples, organizing the third Indigenous Leaders Summit of the Americas, had been forced to hold their gathering in Panama after being told that it would not be possible to find a venue in Trinidad and Tobago.
“Grave violations of the rights of Indigenous Peoples are among the most pressing challenges throughout the Americas,” said Alex Neve. “As such, strengthened protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples should be one of the priority concerns at every Summit of the Americas. The exclusion and marginalization of Indigenous peoples at this Summit was disrespectful and unacceptable.”
“Governments must make amends and demonstrate that they are committed to improved protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples by moving rapidly to finalize and adopt a strong American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”
Armonía recognizes the oppression of indigenous peoples in Mexico and is working to provide opportunities for indigenous people, espeically through the AIMS (Armonía Indigenous Mexican Scholars) program, which you read more about here, or click here to download the Spring 09 Armonía Update which has recent information about the AIMS program.
Posted by Lindsey and Samuel Gutierrez on June 29, 2009 at 10:15 pm
I have enjoyed reading your posts and Sam and I are interested in learning more about Armonia. I like that it addresses the whole person with the whole gospel- the way it should be.
Indigenous people are often so much more humble than those of us who are “civilized”. God’s heart is tender for the poor and he loves the humble. I really enjoy working with the indigenous people of Guatemala and Mexico at the health department in Chatt. because their simplicity and humility is such an example.
Glad you guys got to the opportunity to minster here! I know that it has been a blessing for you and them!
Posted by Wes on June 30, 2009 at 7:40 am
Thanks for stopping by, Lindsey and Sam. I am glad that you are interesting in learning more about Armonía, and I hope you find enough resources and posts on this blog to give you a start. Armonía is also coming out with a new website soon, so once that it public, I will announce it on the blog and that will be a great place to glean more information.
Thanks for your encouragement and I hope you can stop by again!