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UN and Survival ask Peru's government to "stop carving up the Amazon"

LivinginPeru.com
Isabel Guerra

Stephen Corry, NGO Survival Director, has asked the Peruvian government to stop granting oil and gas drilling concessions in Amazonian territories “without resident peoples' informed consent,” according to a press release issued a few hours ago.

The formal petition, backed another NGOs, was made in a statement by the UN’s Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), published on Monday.

This would mean that no drilling could take place in rainforest inhabited by uncontacted Indians (provided Peru listens to UN's call), since they are unable to give their consent.

The Committee expresses its concerns about the ‘serious tensions in the country, which have even triggered violence, and has been generated by the exploitation of the sub-soil resources traditionally belonging to indigenous peoples.’

The CERD also urged Peru’s government to create an independent commission (including indigenous representation), to carry out an objective investigation on the events that took place in Bagua last June, in which more than thirty policemen and civilians died.

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# Uncle Tio says :
2 September, 2009 [ 10:59 ]

After the US and other developed countries have already developed their resources by destroying forests and natural resources, they want to impose their will on a more recent developing nation trying to do the same.  Tell me again how many "uncontacted" Indian tribes were affected by US development?  I believe the Jewish call this "chutzpah".

# Chancaquita says :
2 September, 2009 [ 11:42 ]

Dear Uncle Tio,

In principle - I agree with you. But for practical reasons, I have to disagree. I myself am from Europe, the Netherlands more specifically. Yes, the US and many countries in Europe have done wrongs in the past by imposing opinions, actions, rules on minorities. But just because these countries, my country, acted wrongly in the past shouldn't mean that Peru cannot do better.

I have lived in Peru and have a Peruvian boyfriend as well as many Peruvian friends. If there is one thing all are proud of, it is the rich culture and natural history (not to forget the cuisine, of course ). But what would this rich culture be without the indigenous living in their areas, and living their in peace? What would Peru's highly valued biodiversity look like if "we", the humans, destroy it?

Nobody is imposing anything on your country. The UN is asking the Peruvian government to respect it's inhabitants, and not only those living in Lima or other more developed cities, but also in the remote regions of your beautiful country.

Also, I agree with CERD's urge to undertake an objective investigation. Currently, two stories are going around. What is wrong about finding out the truth? Let's be positive about respecting the truth, respecting the indigenous but also the police officers. Nobody really knows what happens, but for the sake of the conflict and in order to calm minds and souls it might turn out to be a really good thing.

# WOW says :
2 September, 2009 [ 11:57 ]

Uncle Tio, I agree with you. The rest of the world are a bunch of Hypocrites. Steven Corry does all the land in the jungle belong to the native people, I think not. I assumed it was part of Peru. So its the goverment is the one deciedes whats best for the whole conyntry not a bunch of corrupt natives. Look into AIDESEP its full of illegal loggers

# Alan Garcia says :
2 September, 2009 [ 12:56 ]

I agree with Uncle Tio and WOW. Peru should be allowed to make the same mistakes as the west. Theres nothing in the rainforest anyway but a few trees and indians.

# WOW says :
2 September, 2009 [ 15:24 ]

and a few do -gooder NGO that thier people already srewed up thier own lands now they are being condescending here

# WOW says :
2 September, 2009 [ 15:26 ]

Do the native people call the NGO Great White father? jajaja dont do as i did , do as I say

# Norma says :
2 September, 2009 [ 20:01 ]

Why is it so hard for the government to understand that our natives deserve respect.  Or maybe we should only interpret it´s our president´s point of view, considering them "not first-class citizens".  We would not allow anyone to take possession of our homes without our consent.  To them the landscapes and the environment, as a whole, are their homes.

Protecting the environment is also benefiting our planet.

It seems to me that don´t hear much debate about this in the media.

# thefutureisvegan says :
3 September, 2009 [ 04:19 ]

This is a disgrace. At a time when we should be moving away from fossil fuels, these criminals continue to ramp up the injustices and environmental destruction which are the hallmarks of these planetary vandals. 

The indigenous peoples of these forests have a right to live in their traditional manner on their traditional lands - or is it still okay in the 21st century for anyone who likes to march into people's land and conquer them? The jungle and the biota which comprise it should be recognised as the priceless global asset which it most definitely is.

If this is "growth" then we don't need it.

# WOW says :
3 September, 2009 [ 11:21 ]

Hey thefutureisvegan., how do you get around? I hope you only walk or then you are a hypocrite. Do you drive a solar powered car?

# thefutureisvegan says :
3 September, 2009 [ 17:49 ]

Hate to disappoint you WOW . . . I walk and cycle and only eat fruit and greens that I grow on my own land. My home is solar powered and is built from from rammed earth sourced from the property. Floor, tin roof and all home fittings are recycled. I earn my living teaching Tai Chi. 

A cruelty free and introspective life in which one gives generously and receives with gratitude is far better than an angry, self indulgent one where one attempts to disparage others who speak up for the benefit of others. Wouldn't you agree?

# thefutureisvegan says :
3 September, 2009 [ 18:00 ]

But WOW, are you suggesting then that the world of nature is worthless in the face of profit and transport? Are you suggesting that it's okay to rob people of their rights to a peaceful life in self determination for the satisfaction of Executive Officers and shareholders? Are you suggesting that there is no alternative to oil? Are you suggesting that a world which is crying out for alternatives is to blame for the use of oil when the motor and oil industries have colluded for decades to suppress alternatives?

In truth, I think you're an oil company shill . . . albeit a very uneducated one.

Enough of the planet has been destroyed for the benefit of the greedy few. A New Age is beginning . . . one in which people, community and environment will be at the centre. Your time is over friend. Breath in for 3 and out for 6 take your attention to your centre and release . . . 

# WOW says :
4 September, 2009 [ 17:48 ]

Future you have no idea what you are talking about or who I am. Im a fairly well known wildlife artist and have painrted wildlife on 4 continents. I studied Zoology/Botany in a major university in the USA I was always pro enviroment but I got tired of Hypocritesd like Greenpeace who protest oil tankers using the rainbow warrier which runs on diesel feul, the dont row the friking boat LOL Do you drive a car? I hope its electric

# WOW says :
4 September, 2009 [ 17:52 ]

The future maybe you are one of those nutjobs from one of the many NGo that are lining thier pockets instead of acually helping the people you have recieved donations to help. Do some checking into AIDESEP you will find they are not as  pure as snow

# Norma says :
4 September, 2009 [ 19:26 ]

Yeah.... it´s time we start redefining the meanings of "success" and "happiness".  Enough destruction has been done to our planet in the name of modernity!!

I´m convinced you wouldn´t allow this to happen in a developed country.  It happens here because there is a great deal of corruption in our govenment and ignorance in our country!!

# Norma says :
4 September, 2009 [ 20:03 ]

Wow, for the sake of wildlife you should support any idea that refers to its protection.

To use vehicles that run on diesel or gas doesn´t have to mean we should agree with the invasion of our people´s territories or environment. 

Nothing is pure as snow.  Only some ideas are good and worth defending!

# WOW says :
5 September, 2009 [ 09:38 ]

How many of you acually live here in peru, if you did you would realize the country needs the money from mining and hydocarbons. Its easy sitting in Europe and the USA with the wealth those countries have to try to tell other people dont do what we have already done. Alternate feuls would be great but until people are forced to change we need oil. Thats the reality of it. Basically most americans are happy to use oil takin from somebodys else backyard but not our own. Maybe we should drill in Florida and leave the amazon alone. But until people are forced to change we need oil, and Peru need the production. Most of the lands in the amazon dont belong to just the natives, it belongs to all Peruvians

# Claire says :
5 September, 2009 [ 10:40 ]

Norma, I'm with you.  Only ignorance believes otherwise. 

# Edgerton says :
22 October, 2009 [ 04:52 ]

Carlos,

It is difficult to hear you complain about Peruvian Genocide when you support Tibetan Genocide, how do you explain the difference?

# Oliver says :
23 October, 2009 [ 03:29 ]

USA will or has already started drilling in Alaska. we need the money more than them.

# Norma says :
23 October, 2009 [ 10:38 ]

More important than money is to respect the others in order to gain the right to be respected as well.

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