Press Release: Encounter of Indigenous Peoples of Abya Yala

 

Encounter of Indigenous Peoples of Abya Yala

for

Self Determination – Decolonization

Continental Commission Abya Yala

PRESS RELEASE

 

Contact: Tupac Enrique Acosta chantlaca@tonatierra.org (602) 466-8367

 

June 7, 2022

 

Los Angeles, CA – Gathering in independent formation as a continental alliance of Original Nations of Indigenous Peoples of Abya Yala [Americas], the Continental Commission Abya Yala has convened in Los Angeles for a four-day gathering to advance a collective geopolitical agenda in defense of right of self-determination of Indigenous Peoples. 

 

Calling for the implementation of the international protocols and procedures for decolonization in the hemisphere as Indigenous Peoples, equal to all other peoples, the Encounter of Indigenous Peoples of Abya Yala has denounced as illegitimate and discriminatory the continued normalization of the doctrine of “Internal Colonization” of Indigenous Peoples by the states of the Americas under the so called “Blue Water Rule”.

 

The continental gathering of Indigenous Peoples is occurring while the Organization of American States (OAS) is also convened in summit formation in Los Angeles, and while the Inter American Development Bank holds a hemispheric Trade and Investment Forum with trade and foreign affairs ministers from the Americas and private-sector executives on June 7, 2022.

 

Addressing the systematic violation across the continent of the right of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent regarding economic development projects that impact the human rights and territories of the Indigenous Peoples, the first day of the Indigenous Encounter of Abya Yala heard direct testimony from across the continent that described a system of complicity and collusion among corporate elites, extractive industries, corrupt government officials, military and paramilitary forces, narco cartels, and international financial institutions.

 

Accordingly, today a message will be sent to the Inter-American Development Bank demanding that the violation of the right of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent be specifically and officially identified as an issue of financial liability in the accounting systems of the institution.

 

The violation of the right of the right of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement USMCA is another issue being addressed in the Indigenous Encounter this week, in conjunction with the defense of rights of Indigenous Peoples as Migrant Workers with Families under Convention 169 of the International Labor Organization (ILO).

 

Another priority issue is the battle by the Lenca Nation in Honduras to defend the Gualcarque River and bring accountability for the assassination of Berta Cáceres.

 

 

 

The Continental Commission has announced that they will address the OAS summit later this week with a set of demands and proposals to advance the collective right of self-determination of the Indigenous Peoples of Abya Yala, and move proactively into a continental protocol for decolonization, respect for human rights, the well-being of the future generations and the Territorial Integrity of Mother Earth.

 

In response to the interventions by the Maya representatives given in the first day of the Indigenous Encounter, the Continental Commission Abya Yala will deliver notice to the government of Mexico during the OAS Summit in opposition to the AMLO Train project in Mexico (AKA Maya Train) as part of the megadevelopment project known as the Trans isthmic Plan Puebla-Panama. Further actions in opposition to the Maya Train in Mexico will be announced this week.

 

 

 

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