6/18/2008

Annual International Indian Treaty Conference to begin in Guatemala

Chimaltenago, Guatemala (UCTP Taino News) - The 34th Annual International Conference of the International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) begins this week on June 19-22, 2008 in the city of Chimaltenango, Guatemala. The conference will focus on strategic topics that designed to assist in the promotion and defense of the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

According to a recent IITC news release, the organizers are looking forward to the most diverse, pluralistic participation of representatives and authorities of Indigenous Peoples from the IITC member countries, as well as from all countries whose people have a keen interest in discussing strategies, plans, programs, visions and goals to continue working towards the challenging objective of ending the racism, discrimination, oppression, marginalization, exploitation, and imposition that Indigenous Peoples, are currently facing.

The conference organizers also note that although certain advances have been made in the field of domestic and international law, they are as yet insufficient and Indigenous Peoples are still facing difficult situations worldwide.

A delegation representing the United Confederation of Taino People (UCTP) is now in Guatemala to attend the conference and includes Naniki Reyes Ocasio of the Caney Quinto Mundo, and Mildred Karaira Gandia (UCTP Liaison), and Justin Seiba Ziegelasch, a youth delegate. In an historic moment for Taino People, the UCTP is scheduled to be officially welcomed as IITC affiliates before the assembly gathered in Chimaltenago.

The history and current situation of Mayan Peoples in Guatemala as well as implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at the local to the international level will be some of the featured issues discussed at the conference. Other topics to be addressed include land and natural resource rights, treaties and agreements, reparations and redress processes, free prior and informed consent, self determination, environmental and racial justice. Dialogs will take place via panels, workshops, commissions, and training sessions.

Communications related to the conference can be directed to Conferencia2008@treatycouncil.org and additional information can be found at IITC website at http://www.treatycouncil.org/.


UCTPTN 06.18.2008

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