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Recommendations from Indigenous Peoples Links (PIPLinks) to the Working Group on the Establishment of a Work Programme

whit — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:15:14 +0000

Working Group on the issue of Human Rights and Transnational Corporations and other Business Enterprises:
United Nations,
Geneva, Switzerland

Dear Working Group members,

Indigenous Peoples Links (PIPLinks) welcomes the final report of the UN Special Representative on Business and Human Rights, Professor Ruggie, as an important step to greater transparency and accountability, and therefore towards improved human rights practice of corporations.

Recommendations from Indigenous Peoples Links (PIPLinks) to the Working Group on the Establishment of a Work Programme

whit — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:15:14 +0000

Working Group on the issue of Human Rights and Transnational Corporations and other Business Enterprises:
United Nations,
Geneva, Switzerland

Dear Working Group members,

Hundreds of Indigenous Protest Belo Monte Dam, Brazilian Government Boycotts Talks

whit — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:02:23 +0000

UPDATED, November 10, 2011: A Brazilian court on November 9, ruled that indigenous communities do not have the right to free, prior and informed consultation in regards to the Belo Monte Dam because the infrastructure and reservoirs will not be located on tribal lands.

The announcement about the dam that will flood some 40,000 hectares of rainforest, displace more than 10,000 people and block 80 percent of the Xingu river was immediately denounced by those who oppose the dam.

“Today’s decision by Judge Cardoso proves that there is no independent judicial system in our country,”

BHP Billiton AGM protest

whit — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:43:22 +0000

BHP Billiton AGM protest, London, 20 October 2011

London Mining Network – http://londonminingnetwork.org/2011/10/bhp-billiton-agm-protest-london-2...

21 October 2011

Protesters from the Occupy LSX demonstration marched from St Paul’s cathedral to join anti-nuclear campaigners, supporters of London Mining Network member group Colombia Solidarity Campaign and others outside yesterday’s BHP Billiton AGM. See http://london.indymedia.org/articles/10589.

Inside the AGM, Julio Gomez from Colombia confronted the company over its activities in Colombia.

BHP Billiton AGM protest

whit — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:43:22 +0000

BHP Billiton AGM protest, London, 20 October 2011

London Mining Network – http://londonminingnetwork.org/2011/10/bhp-billiton-agm-protest-london-2...

21 October 2011

Inside the AGM, Julio Gomez from Colombia confronted the company over its activities in Colombia.

Landmark Vote Upholds Indigenous Rights on Belo Monte

whit — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:58:30 +0100

On Monday, federal judge Selene Maria de Almeida voted in a landmark opinion in Brazilian courts that the Belo Monte Dam licenses are illegal and must be cancelled due to what is now widely-accepted evidence that the Brazilian government did not hold proper consultations with indigenous tribes that would be affected by the project.

Ethiopia’s ‘bulldozer’ government arrests 100 tribal people over dam

whit — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:37:32 +0100

Survival has received reports that around one hundred Ethiopian tribespeople have been arrested and jailed for opposing Ethiopia’s controversial Gibe III dam.

Plans for the dam and irrigated land plantations nearby are gathering pace, along with rising repression and intimidation to any opposition.

A policeman reportedly told one indigenous community that the government was, ‘like a bulldozer, and anyone opposing its development projects will be crushed like a person standing in front of a bulldozer.’

Ethiopia is leasing out large tracts of tribal lands in the South Omo region t

Ethiopia’s ‘bulldozer’ government arrests 100 tribal people over dam

whit — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:37:32 +0100

Survival has received reports that around one hundred Ethiopian tribespeople have been arrested and jailed for opposing Ethiopia’s controversial Gibe III dam.

Plans for the dam and irrigated land plantations nearby are gathering pace, along with rising repression and intimidation to any opposition.

Ethiopia is leasing out large tracts of tribal lands in the South Omo region t

Ethiopia’s ‘bulldozer’ government arrests 100 tribal people over dam

whit — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:37:32 +0100

Survival has received reports that around one hundred Ethiopian tribespeople have been arrested and jailed for opposing Ethiopia’s controversial Gibe III dam.

Plans for the dam and irrigated land plantations nearby are gathering pace, along with rising repression and intimidation to any opposition.

Ethiopia is leasing out large tracts of tribal lands in the South Omo region t

Largest abandoned uranium mine cleanup on Navajo Nation announced

Kailash — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:39:05 +0000

RENO, NV – The U.S.

Largest abandoned uranium mine cleanup on Navajo Nation announced

Kailash — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:39:05 +0000

RENO, NV – The U.S.

GDAE Releases Report on Mining Activities in Guatemala: “Searching for Gold in the Highlands of Guatemala: Economic Benefits and

Kailash — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:20:32 +0000

The Marlin mine in Guatemala, owned and operated by the Canadian company Goldcorp, has been a source of local conflict and international controversy for nearly a decade. Mining is a major issue in the September 2011 Guatemalan elections, and continues to be a controversial topic in local politics.

GDAE Releases Report on Mining Activities in Guatemala: “Searching for Gold in the Highlands of Guatemala: Economic Benefits and

Kailash — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:20:32 +0000

As tensions mount over proposed highway in Bolivia, UN expert calls for dialogue

whit — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:20:15 +0100

A United Nations human rights expert called for negotiations between indigenous people and Bolivian authorities today after protests against the construction of a highway in the Amazon turned violent last Sunday.

Around 1,500 protesters clashed with police, resulting in a high number of detainees and injured individuals as well as possible casualties, according to a press released by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples James Anaya called for the Bolivian Government to “take all the necessary measu

Hundred Arrested in Ottawa Tar Sands Protest

Kailash — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:31:00 +0000

Ottawa, ON – Hundreds have been arrested on Parliament Hill while protesting the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. The protests have been organized by First Nations and environmental organizations, and are endorsed by Dene Nation.

Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus has joined the protests, and spoke to the crowd of one thousand about the impacts of tar sands developments on Dene.

“Toxic tailings ponds already cover hundreds of square kilometres , and are growing by the minute,” Erasmus said.

Reining in Cowboy Mining Companies

Kailash — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:24:31 +0000

WASHINGTON – In the seemingly lawless global free-for-all to lay claim to reserves of the world’s most precious remaining natural resources, experts warn that “cowboy mining companies” are plundering the earth’s riches and leaving little left for the rest.

But laws do exist, and better governance of what is known in technical terms as “resource extraction” can help prevent such abuses, according to University of Oxford economics professor Paul Collier.

Collier, who spoke at World Bank meetings here last week at a panel session hosted by the Revenue Watch Institute (RWI), said civil socie

Hundred Arrested in Ottawa Tar Sands Protest

Kailash — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:31:00 +0000

Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus has joined the protests, and spoke to the crowd of one thousand about the impacts of tar sands developments on Dene.

“Toxic tailings ponds already cover hundreds of square kilometres , and are growing by the minute,” Erasmus said.

Ecuador charges indigenous activists with terrorism

Kailash — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:01:10 +0000

Indigenous and environmental activists opposing mining projects face terrorism charges in Ecuador.

Ecuador charges indigenous activists with terrorism

Kailash — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:01:10 +0000

Indigenous and environmental activists opposing mining projects face terrorism charges in Ecuador.

UN: Protection of San Francisco Peaks

whit — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:36:55 +0100

Navajo President Ben Shelly spoke today, Sept. 21, in Geneva at the UN Human Rights Council, urging a halt to the use of wastewater on sacred San Francisco Peaks by the Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff, Arizona.

President Shelly said the Navajo Nation had forwarded its opposition to Special Rapporteur James Anaya who provided a detailed written report to UN Human Rights Council on the assaults on San Francisco Peaks.

First Nation says Consultation Laws are a Matter of Community Assertion

Kailash — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:21:02 +0000

SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION – A push towards a consultation law is high on the agenda of a First Nation Council as it winds down a 2-year set of priorities in the next two months.

On Monday night Serpent River First Nation Chief and Council unanimously endorsed the codification of a Consultation Law and the development of a Free, Prior and Informed Consent Policy Framework.

Located on the northern shores of Lake Huron, the territory of Serpent River is the homeland to over 12 hundred Anishnabek and their families.

Extraction of natural resources a key cause of abuse of indigenous peoples’ rights

Kailash — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:06:30 +0000

GENEVA – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, James Anaya, warned Wednesday that indigenous communities’ right to self-determination in the political, social and economic spheres is being threatened by the current model for advancing with natural resource extraction.

“Natural resource extraction and other major development projects in or near indigenous territories are one of the most significant sources of abuse of the rights of indigenous peoples worldwide,” said Mr. Anaya in his latest report* to the UN Human Rights Council.

First Nation says Consultation Laws are a Matter of Community Assertion

Kailash — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:21:02 +0000

SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION – A push towards a consultation law is high on the agenda of a First Nation Council as it winds down a 2-year set of priorities in the next two months.

On Monday night Serpent River First Nation Chief and Council unanimously endorsed the codification of a Consultation Law and the development of a Free, Prior and Informed Consent Policy Framework.

Located on the northern shores of Lake Huron, the territory of Serpent River is the homeland to over 12 hundred Anishnabek and their families.

Extraction of natural resources a key cause of abuse of indigenous peoples’ rights

Kailash — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:06:30 +0000

UN: Protection of San Francisco Peaks

whit — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:36:55 +0100

Extraction of natural resources a key cause of abuse of indigenous peoples’ rights

Kailash — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:06:30 +0000

U.S. court rules against Chevron in Ecuador case

Kailash — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:50:22 +0000

Ecuadorans suing Chevron Corp. over pollution in the Amazon rain forest are one step closer to collecting a $9.5 billion judgment against the San Ramon company.

A U.S. appeals court on Monday lifted a lower court’s order that had blocked the Ecuadorans from collecting money in the long-running lawsuit.

In February, a judge in Ecuador ruled that Chevron should pay to clean up contamination in the oil fields where Texaco, bought by Chevron in 2001, once worked. But the company persuaded a U.S. judge to block enforcement, arguing that the verdict was the result of fraud.

Indigenous peoples suffer abuses in race for natural resources – UN rights expert

Kailash — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:42:12 +0000

Extraction of natural resources and other major development projects in or near the territories of indigenous peoples is one of the most significant sources of abuse of their human rights worldwide, an independent United Nations expert warned today.“In its prevailing form, the model for advancing with natural resource extraction within the territories of indigenous peoples appears to run counter to the self-determination of indigenous peoples in the political, social and economic spheres,” the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples James Anaya told the UN Human Rights Counc

U.S. court rules against Chevron in Ecuador case

Kailash — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:50:22 +0000

Ecuadorans suing Chevron Corp. over pollution in the Amazon rain forest are one step closer to collecting a $9.5 billion judgment against the San Ramon company.

A U.S. appeals court on Monday lifted a lower court’s order that had blocked the Ecuadorans from collecting money in the long-running lawsuit.

Indigenous peoples suffer abuses in race for natural resources – UN rights expert

Kailash — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:42:12 +0000

Indigenous peoples suffer abuses in race for natural resources – UN rights expert

Kailash — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:42:12 +0000

Saami communities protest against mining on their lands in the Kalix River Valley

Kailash — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:11:10 +0000

The Saami reindeer herding communities of Girjas and Laevas in Northern Sweden have recently expressed their firm opposition over Australian backed Kiruna Iron AB’s plans to mine in the Kalix River Valley.

Saami communities protest against mining on their lands in the Kalix River Valley

Kailash — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:11:10 +0000

Anglo American in thick of great Alaskan Pebble mine debate

Kailash — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:28:38 +0000

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (miningweekly.com) – That Anglo American is in the thick of a great Alaskan mining debate was quickly apparent upon my arrival here, with advertisements in Alaskan business magazines providing ready affirmation.

At issue is whether or not the South African-created but London-domiciled diversified mining major, together with the Canada-based Northern Dynasty mining concern, should exploit the large copper, gold and molybdenum porphyry in the Bristol Bay region of south-west Alaska, near Lake Iliamna and Lake Clark.

A full-page advertisement in one of the Alaskan magazi

MEPs call for EU to clean up oil, mining industries

Kailash — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:47:55 +0000

The European Parliament has urged EU countries to clean up the mining and oil industries by publishing what companies pay to get their hands on contracts and by giving legal protection to whistleblowers.

The two reports – on financial transparency by German Green MEP Reinhard Butikofer and on safety standards by British Conservative Vicky Ford – were voted through in Strasbourg on Tuesday (13 September).

MEPs call for EU to clean up oil, mining industries

Kailash — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:35:28 +0000

Anglo American in thick of great Alaskan Pebble mine debate

Kailash — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:28:38 +0000

A full-page advertisement in one of the Alaskan magazi

A Canadian mining company prepares to dig up Mexico’s Eden

Kailash — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:48:03 +0000

Vancouver’s First Majestic Silver plans to mine for silver in the heart of Mexico’s peyote country. For the Huichol people, the project is an environmental risk—and a spiritual crisis

Under a heavy afternoon sun, the desert landscape in central Mexico lays long into the horizon, interrupted only by railroad tracks, roadrunners racing beside cars, and every once in a while, a cluster of houses and shops.

A Canadian mining company prepares to dig up Mexico’s Eden

Kailash — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:48:03 +0000

Vancouver’s First Majestic Silver plans to mine for silver in the heart of Mexico’s peyote country. For the Huichol people, the project is an environmental risk—and a spiritual crisis

Mining should not come ahead of clean water

Kailash — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:04:53 +0000

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C.-Mining Association of Canada President Pierre Gratton correctly noted in last week’s issue of The Hill Times that mining has the potential to be a major driver of Canada’s future economy and prosperity.

However, successfully profiting from the global need for metals and minerals will involve great responsibility and require careful planning and reforms at home. While there are some hopeful signs, Canada has a long way to go before it has an industry of which it can truly be proud.

Here in resource-rich British Columbia, the situation is disheartening.

Mining should not come ahead of clean water

Kailash — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:04:53 +0000

Here in resource-rich British Columbia, the situation is disheartening.

Colombia: priest shot dead in mining town & Father Marco Arana escapes from violent ambush

Kailash — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:05:44 +0000

The Regional Indigenous Council of the department of Caldas and the José Alvear Restrepo Lawyers’ Collective condemn the murder of José Reinel Restrepo, the parish priest of the municipality of Marmato and a defender of the rights of people to survive and remain on their territory.

On Friday September 2nd 2011, the priest’s body was found without any identification alongside his motorcycle in which he had been traveling between Mistrató and Belén de Umbría in Colombian coffee country.

Colombia: priest shot dead in mining town & Father Marco Arana escapes from violent ambush

Kailash — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:05:44 +0000

Colombia: priest shot dead in mining town & Father Marco Arana escapes from violent ambush

Kailash — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:05:44 +0000

Dalai Lama, Rigoberta Menchu, Nobel Peace Laureates: Halt tarsands

whit — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 13:33:45 +0100

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and Nobel Peace Laureates Rigoberta Menchu of Guatemala and Archbishop Desmund Tutu of South Africa, joined six other Nobel Peace Laureates urging President Obama to reject the Keystone XL pipeline, an environmental disaster in the making.

In a report to the UN Human Rights Council just released, Special Rapporteur James Anaya states that TransCanada has failed to consult or obtain permission from the Lubicon Lake Nation peoples concering the tar sands pipeline.

In its letter to Obama, the Nobel Peace Laureates recognized those arrested during the past

Explain tax avoidance reports, ActionAid tells Glencore

Kailash — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:43:13 +0000

ACTIONAID Zambia has challenged Glencore to “clear the air” on tax avoidance allegations in Zambia before embracing the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Country representative Pamela Chisanga said Glencore, the owners of Mopani Copper Mine, should not sidetrack from clearing its name on the tax avoidance issues her institution raised last year.

Last week, there were assertions that commodities trader, Glencore, would own up support for a global standard on transparency in natural resources by declaring its support to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

Explain tax avoidance reports, ActionAid tells Glencore

Kailash — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:43:13 +0000

ACTIONAID Zambia has challenged Glencore to “clear the air” on tax avoidance allegations in Zambia before embracing the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Country representative Pamela Chisanga said Glencore, the owners of Mopani Copper Mine, should not sidetrack from clearing its name on the tax avoidance issues her institution raised last year.

Colombia: priest shot dead in mining town

Kailash — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:10:21 +0000

A young priest from the mining town of Marmato, in the department of Caldas in the west of Colombia, Father Jose Reinel Restrepo Idairraga, was killed by unknown assailants, according to information given to the local press by the Secretary of the Government in that region, Henry Murillo.

In a report in the newspaper El Tiempo Murillo said that the priest was killed on Thursday, 1 September on a road from Mistrato in Bethlehem of Umbria, in the neighboring department of Risaralda (west of Colombia about 200km from Bogota.

Colombia: priest shot dead in mining town

Kailash — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:10:21 +0000

Colombia: priest shot dead in mining town

Kailash — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:10:21 +0000

First Nations and American Indian Leaders Arrested In Front Of White House To Protest Keystone XL Pipeline

Kailash — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:00:38 +0000

Washington DC- American Indian and Canadian Native leaders were arrested today in front of the White House as they refused to move under orders from the police.

First Nations and American Indian Leaders Arrested In Front Of White House To Protest Keystone XL Pipeline

Kailash — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:00:38 +0000

Washington DC- American Indian and Canadian Native leaders were arrested today in front of the White House as they refused to move under orders from the police.

Respect the rights of Sarawak's indigenous communities, says NGO

whit — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 07:18:04 +0100

Exclude NCR land from provisional lease

KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud and company have come under attack for issuing provisional leases (PL) to oil palm companies to continue destroying forests in the Baram region.

Environmental group, Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM), wants the state government to rescind the PLs and exclude all native community territories from these plantation licenses.

Said SAM president SM Mohamad Idris: “Taking into consideration all the complaints and hardship suffered by affected communities, as well as their legal rights to their land, we urge t

Peruvian Congress unanimously passes Indigenous consultation law

Kailash — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:08:05 +0000

Peru’s new Congress has passed a law that will for the first time make it mandatory to seek Indigenous Peoples’ consent before development projects are allowed to go ahead on their ancestral lands.

The Consultation with Indigenous Peoples Law, which was unanimously approved on Tuesday, requires government consultations with Indigenous Peoples before companies can begin projects like digging mines, drilling for oil or building dams.

Law firm hopes to keep suits against Hudbay alive

Kailash — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:32:18 +0100

TORONTO, Aug 16 (Canadian Lawyer InHouse) – A Toronto law firm is pushing for lawsuits against Canadian mining company HudBay Minerals (HBM.TO: Quote) regarding alleged human rights abuses to continue, despite the fact the company no longer owns the project where the alleged killing of one man and gang rape of 11 women occurred.

The claims stem from the death of Adolfo Ich in September 2009 and the alleged rapes of 11 women in January 2007 by mine security workers.

Ich, an indigenous community leader and an outspoken critic of Canadian mining activities in his community, was allegedly ha

Yindjibarndi Aboriginal people take on WA FMG mining magnate

Kailash — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:33:48 +0100

In the beautiful rugged Pilbara region of north Western Australia a struggle is being played out between a timeless culture and a culture and ideology which is threatening the vitality of humanity itself.

On one side are the proud Yindjibarndi people, who wish to preserve their culture, customs, language, way of life and country which embodies their spirit.

Yindjibarndi Aboriginal people take on WA FMG mining magnate

Kailash — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:33:48 +0100

On one side are the proud Yindjibarndi people, who wish to preserve their culture, customs, language, way of life and country which embodies their spirit.

New ITUC report on indigenous peoples in Latin America

Kailash — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:48:23 +0100

Brussels: To mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, the ITUC is releasing a new report entitled “The Alliance Between the Indigenous Peoples and Trade Unions in Latin America”. The report points to the discrimination, feudal exploitation, isolation and forced labour suffered by indigenous peoples in Latin America.

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, observed by the global community each year on 9 August, serves to raise awareness about indigenous peoples’ cultures and the great diversity they represent.

Assembly of First Nations Urges BC Government to Respect Aboriginal Title and Rights

whit — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:53:24 +0100

OTTAWA – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) British Columbia Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould today expressed support for Kwakiutl First Nation as they take action to create awareness about the need to uphold Aboriginal Title and rights, including treaty rights, to forest resources on their traditional territory.

“On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations and the national executive, I support the leadership and citizens of Kwakiutl First Nation as they assert and uphold their title and rights as recognized in the Douglas Treaty,” said AFN B.C. Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould.

Climate Changes Bring Harsh Reality for Native Americans

whit — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:31:39 +0100

NEW YORK, Aug 4, 2011 (IPS) – In Shishmaref, an Inupiaq village on an Alaskan barrier island north of the Bering Strait, a way of life is gradually disappearing due to higher temperatures, rising sea levels, declining numbers of sea animals to hunt, and shrinking shorelines wrought by climate change.

The effects of climate change may be felt across the globe, but in the United States, compared to the general population, indigenous peoples feel the impact disproportionately, a report published Wednesday by the National Wildlife Federation concluded.

Because they are dependent on it for th

UN rejects Bangladesh government's view

whit — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:41:18 +0100

The general segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) session rejected the official position of Bangladesh government on the non-Bangalee people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), and adopted the report of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

The Bangladesh government, represented by Abul Kalam Abdul Momen, raised its concern over the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) going beyond its mandate in dealing with the issue of implementing the CHT Peace Accord, on the ground that there are no indigenous people in CHT.

The government

EPA announces deal for uranium contamination probe

Kailash — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:36:50 +0100

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is overseeing an effort to determine the extent of contamination at a former uranium mining site on the Navajo Nation that marked a high priority for assessment.

The EPA announced Monday that it has reached a deal with Chevron USA Inc. to survey the 31-acre Mariano Lake Mine site near Gallup, N.M., and surrounding homes and water wells.

EPA announces deal for uranium contamination probe

Kailash — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:36:50 +0100

The EPA announced Monday that it has reached a deal with Chevron USA Inc. to survey the 31-acre Mariano Lake Mine site near Gallup, N.M., and surrounding homes and water wells.

Indigenous peoples in Suriname still wait for land rights

whit — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:42:11 +0100

Legal rights and recognition for the diverse indigenous peoples of Suriname have lagged behind those in other South American countries. Despite pressure from the UN and binding judgments by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, Suriname has yet to recognize indigenous and tribal land rights, a situation that has disconnected local communities from decisions regarding the land they have inhabited for centuries and in some cases millennia.

Indigenous peoples in Suriname still wait for land rights

whit — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:42:11 +0100

Indonesia: Holding up the sky

whit — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 19:36:55 +0100

Indonesia has set ambitious targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions that will require major changes in how forests and agricultural lands are managed

Indonesia is one of the first nations from the global south to commit to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. Three quarters of Indonesia’s emissions result from deforestation and land degradation, so meeting this commitment will require major changes in how the country manages its forests.

Indonesia: Holding up the sky

whit — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 19:36:55 +0100

Indonesia has set ambitious targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions that will require major changes in how forests and agricultural lands are managed

India: Vedanta Orissa projects ban must be upheld

Kailash — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:26:07 +0100

Ongoing attempts by UK-based mining company Vedanta Resources to overturn an Indian government decision blocking a proposed bauxite mine and expansion of an alumina refinery in Orissa should not be allowed to succeed, new report by Amnesty International says.

The report, Generalisations, Omissions, Assumptions [http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/ASA20/036/2011/en], reveals that the company has failed to adequately consider the human impact of its proposed projects with an investment of US$ 1,7 billion in Orissa.

“Vedanta’s mine and refinery expansion projects must not be allowed

India: Vedanta Orissa projects ban must be upheld

Kailash — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:26:07 +0100

“Vedanta’s mine and refinery expansion projects must not be allowed

Colombia: Indigenous groups demand army, FARC remove bases

whit — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:38:41 +0100

Members of indigenous tribes in the southwest of Colombia demanded Wednesday that the government and FARC remove military bases from their territory, reported Spanish press agency EFE Thursday.

The tribes also asked that both the army and FARC resepect international humanitarian law and rejected a proposal from the Colombian army to install a High Mountain battallion in their region.

A demonstration recently occurred in Toribio, a town in the Cauca department that was recently almost completely destroyed after FARC guerrillas attacked the town.

The indigenous groups explained in a

NWT’s Dene Nation supports BC First nations Opposition to Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline

whit — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:25:46 +0100

Opposition gains powerful new ally in Dene Nation; resolution supports right of decision-making power over development on First Nations land.

YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES – First Nations opposition to the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline has gained a powerful new ally in the Dene Nation.

CAFOD urges mining firm Monterrico to clean up its act

Kailash — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:07:51 +0100

British mining company Monterrico Metals has reached an out-of-court settlement with 33 Peruvian farmers who accused the company of colluding in their detention and torture by Peruvian police, while refusing to admit liability.

CAFOD and campaigners from the Peru Support Group have been working with Peruvian NGOs supporting the farmers since the events at Rio Blanco came to light in 2005. According to the claimants, following a march by thousands of farmers protesting about the mine being built without consultation with the local community, a large group were attacked by police.

CAFOD urges mining firm Monterrico to clean up its act

Kailash — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:07:51 +0100

Navajo anti-uranium group challenges HRI Churchrock state discharge permit

Kailash — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:54:29 +0100

RENO, NV – Undeterred by court decisions upholding the state of New Mexico’s right to regulate Hydro Resources Churchrock Section 8 in-situ uranium project, the Eastern Navajo Diné against Uranium Mining and the New Mexico Environmental Law Center have filed a complaint with the First Judicial Court in Santa Fe.

The filing asserts that the New Mexico Environment Department bypassed the normal regulatory process by allowing HRI to conduct mining activities before the state agency made a decision on the company’s discharge permit application.

The plaintiffs argue that the New Mexico Envir

Navajo anti-uranium group challenges HRI Churchrock state discharge permit

Kailash — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:54:29 +0100

The plaintiffs argue that the New Mexico Envir

Navajo anti-uranium group challenges HRI Churchrock state discharge permit

Kailash — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:54:29 +0100

The plaintiffs argue that the New Mexico Envir

Yindjibarndi call on WA Government to appoint mediator in dispute with FMG

Kailash — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:19:15 +0100

Roebourne, WA – The Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation (YAC) is calling on the State Government to step in to help end the bitter dispute between the Yindjibarndi people and iron ore producer FMG over a proposed multi billion dollar mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

The parties have so far failed to reach what the YAC believes is a fair and equitable agreement for access to mine country south of Roebourne, which the Yindjibarndi call home.

YAC Chief Executive Michael Woodley says last night’s ABC’s Four Corners investigation highlighted the broken relationship with FMG, and he

Yindjibarndi call on WA Government to appoint mediator in dispute with FMG

Kailash — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:19:15 +0100

The parties have so far failed to reach what the YAC believes is a fair and equitable agreement for access to mine country south of Roebourne, which the Yindjibarndi call home.

YAC Chief Executive Michael Woodley says last night’s ABC’s Four Corners investigation highlighted the broken relationship with FMG, and he

Diodora Hernandez Continues In Resistance To Goldcorp Inc

Kailash — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:01:38 +0100

On 7 July 2010, Diodora Antonia Hernandez Cinto (a Mayan-Mam campesina woman from the mountainous village of San Jose Nueva Esperanza) was shot point-blank in the head and left for dead by two local men (mine workers) who ran off into the night.

She was shot because she refuses to sell her plot of land to Montana Exploradora, Goldcorp’s subsidiary operating an open-pit, mountain-top removal, cyanide-leaching gold and silver mine in the municipality of San Miguel Ixtahuacan, Guatemala.

The bullet went in her right eye, and exited behind her right ear.

Diodora Hernandez Continues In Resistance To Goldcorp Inc

Kailash — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:01:38 +0100

The bullet went in her right eye, and exited behind her right ear.

Indigenous resistance is the new 'terrorism'

Kailash — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:35:08 +0100

If you thought there was anything romantic about environmental activism or indigenous rights, think twice. Socialist ideas about nature – such as keeping water a public good – can get you facing charges of sabotage by a leftist government. In the land of the Incas, if you protect the pachamama [“Mother World”], you might just be a “terrorist”.

It’s becoming tricky to identify “terrorists”, at least in Ecuador. They are not members of criminal organisations, they don’t spread fear or target civilians, nor have a politically motivated agenda.

Indigenous resistance is the new 'terrorism'

Kailash — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:35:08 +0100

Indigenous resistance is the new 'terrorism'

Kailash — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:35:08 +0100

The consulta movement continues... in Northern Ontario!

Kailash — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:55:57 +0100

The KI First Nation that resisted advances by Platinex several years ago voted overwhelmingly (96%) on 5th July to protect their watershed from industrial activities, at the same time establishing the consultation protocol that they will follow from here on in.

See: http://www.kitchenuhmaykoosib.com/landsandenvironment/

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Big Trout Lake holds referendum to protect lands and water from development

By Jon Thompson

Kenora Daily Miner & News

8 July 2011

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation (Big Trout Lake) has voted nearly unanimously to protect the

The consulta movement continues... in Northern Ontario!

Kailash — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:55:57 +0100

See: http://www.kitchenuhmaykoosib.com/landsandenvironment/

———————————-

Big Trout Lake holds referendum to protect lands and water from development

By Jon Thompson

Kenora Daily Miner & News

8 July 2011

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation (Big Trout Lake) has voted nearly unanimously to protect the

Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Issues: A Note on his official mission to Costa Rica

whit — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:15:50 +0100

The UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (SRIP), James Anaya, has recently (24 to 27 April 2011) concluded an official mission to Costa Rica.

UN expert calls for dialogue after deadly mining protests in Peru

Kailash — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:56:58 +0100

UNITED NATIONS (BNO NEWS) — An independent United Nations human rights expert on Wednesday urged the Peruvian Government and indigenous leaders in the country’s southeast to hold peaceful dialogue to resolve the deadly conflict over mining and oil development.

“It is necessary that all parties respect the right to life and other fundamental human rights and ensure that the legitimate protests of indigenous peoples to defend their rights, and the response by law enforcement, do not create situations that endanger the lives and safety of protesters and other citizens,” James Anaya, the UN Sp

UN expert calls for dialogue after deadly mining protests in Peru

Kailash — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:56:58 +0100

UN expert calls for dialogue after deadly mining protests in Peru

Kailash — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:56:58 +0100

Europe's resource grab - Vested interests at work in the European Parliament

Kailash — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:01:44 +0100

On 30 June, the European Parliament’s industry, energy and research committee (ITRE) is due to vote on the EU’s Raw Materials Initiative, establishing guidelines for Europe’s future policy on natural resource use.

Peru revokes licence of Canadian mining firm Bear Creek

Kailash — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:54:58 +0100

JULIACA, PERU — As smoke rose from burning tires and torched security vehicles, heavily armed police confronted nearly a thousand angry anti-mining protesters walking the runaway of Juliaca’s airport in southern Peru, near Lake Titicaca. One protest leader called for the group to reclaim the airport. Others said it was too dangerous.

Peru revokes licence of Canadian mining firm Bear Creek

Kailash — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:54:58 +0100

Peru revokes licence of Canadian mining firm Bear Creek

Kailash — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:54:58 +0100

Long but hopeful path towards legislation on conflict minerals

Kailash — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:51:26 +0100

On 26 May, SOMO organised a Roundtable in the European Parliament, together with Judith Sargentini (Member of European Parliament, GroenLinks). This well attended meeting focused on conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This Roundtable focused on two objectives: urging the European commission to develop legislation in the matter, and offering a platform for Congolese NGOs. The meeting was a success, but the road to actual legislation is still a long one.

Statement of Concern REDD+ in Central Kaliminatan, Indonesia

whit — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:00:17 +0100

We, the members of the Indigenous Peoples’ Alliance of the Archipelago -Central Kalimantan Chapter (AMAN Central Kalimantan) conducted on June 16-17, 2011 our Strategic Meeting to address concerns and problems related to REDD+ in the Central Kalimantan’s Provincial Spatial Plan. The Meeting was attended by members of the Local and Regional Chapters of AMAN Central Kalimantan and Indigenous Leaders from eleven districts.

We, Indigenous Peoples of Central Kalimantan affirm that Indigenous Peoples have the right over land, territories and customary forest.

Statement of Concern REDD+ in Central Kaliminatan, Indonesia

whit — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:00:17 +0100

We, Indigenous Peoples of Central Kalimantan affirm that Indigenous Peoples have the right over land, territories and customary forest.

Tribes, agencies, NGOs oppose Resolution Copper land exchange

Kailash — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:28:07 +0100

RENO, NV – A 2,422 acre exchange of National Forest land in Arizona—now being debated in a U.S. House Subcommittee-is crucial to the development of the third largest underground copper deposit in the world, held by a joint venture of Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton.

Superior, Arizona-headquartered Resolution Copper plans to invest more than US$6 billion in a copper project that would produce 25% of U.S.

Tribes, agencies, NGOs oppose Resolution Copper land exchange

Kailash — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:28:07 +0100

Superior, Arizona-headquartered Resolution Copper plans to invest more than US$6 billion in a copper project that would produce 25% of U.S.

Canada: Feds monitoring 'aboriginal hotspots'

Kailash — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:17:28 +0100

Documents recently uncovered by First Nations researchers show the federal government, along with the RCMP and CSIS, has been monitoring aboriginal “occupations and protests” since 2006.

“A number of us who are involved in First Nations policy issues have been looking at the criminalization of First Nations activists by the government, for being involved in protests or political actions,” said Russell Diabo, who first published the information in his newsletter the First Nation Strategic Bulletin.

The documents, obtained through an access to information request, include two prese

Guatemalan government continues to ignore ruling of human rights commission

Kailash — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:01:24 +0100

Guatemalans concerned about the social and environmental effects of the Marlin Mine held a series of events in the country on the 19th and 20th of May to mark the one-year anniversary of a recommendation by the Inter-American Human Rights Commission (IAHRC) to suspend operations at the mine.

Since the “precautionary measures” were issued by the IAHRC one year ago, mining has continued at the Marlin Mine, run by Goldcorp, despite local concerns about pollution and negative effects on the culture of 18 different Maya communities near the mine.

“The affected communities care the most