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Surveillance of CPA network's member organizations

Continuing harrassment and surveillance of CPA staff

Justice for Rafael Markus Bangit! Justice to all victims of state terrorism

MAY 2006 Updates on the surveillance and threats to Cordillera political activists

APRIL2006 Updates on the surveillance and threats to Cordillera political activists

Cordillera political activists targeted for liquidation! Condemn the killing spree of the GMA regime!

09 August 2006, Shangrila Plaza Mall, 6:00 pm

Ambassador Peter Sutherland – Embassy of Canada;
Ms. Linda Wirth – ILO Country Director;
Ms. Elina Poikonen -- representing the Ambassador of Finland and EU Presidency;
Ms. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz – Chairperson of the United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues;
Ms. Jannette Cansing Serrano – Chairperson of the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP);
My colleagues Ambassadors from European Union Member States or their representatives;
Colleagues from the Diplomatic Corps;
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Today, August 9, the World celebrates the International Day of Indigenous Peoples.

Let me start on a sad note. 10 days ago, we once again were confronted with the unexplained killing of a person who so graciously and unselfishly defended the rights of indigenous people in the Philippines and more specifically in the Cordillera. Alice Omengan-Claver was the latest victim of such a cowardice act. Let us dedicate today to Alice and all those who paid with their lives defending human rights and fundamental freedoms not only of indigenous people but of all those whose rights and freedom need to be protected.

I condemn in the strongest possible way these terrible crimes. I call on those who have the duty to investigate such crimes to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and be punished in accordance with the law.

On a happier note, I recall the day that I was honored in Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, and inducted as a member of the Kalanguya tribe. It does not make me a indigenous person, but it makes me feel closer to indigenous people.

On the occasion of the International Day of Indigenous Peoples, the European Commission re-affirms its message of solidarity and support to the more than 370 million indigenous people worldwide. Today is a day for celebrating the cultural richness and diversity and the considerable contribution of indigenous peoples to the heritage of humankind.

In recognition thereof, we have joined forces with the Embassy of Canada, the International Labour Organisation and Shangri-la Mall to provide a selection of Indigenous Peoples' representatives an opportunity to showcase some of their achievements to the wider public during a 10-day exhibition entitled “A New Decade for the Indigenous World”.

The title of this event reflects the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, which was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in its 2004 session. This new Decade has started with a positive development; namely the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by the United Nations Human Rights Council on 29 June 2006.


On behalf of the European Commission, we continue to assure everybody that in our pursuit of poverty alleviation in the Philippines, especially in the remote rural areas where most of the IPs are located, we will make sure that the "voices" of the IPs are heard, that they will be consulted in all major project activities and that their rights will be protected at all times.


For example, in the Upland Development Programme (UDP), one of the European Commission projects on rural development, which is also taking part in this exhibition, a co-management scheme has been developed and is being implemented for the protection and management of the Lake Seloton Watershed in Lake Sebu in South Cotabato with the active participation of the Tibolis living around the watershed area.

Aside from our bilateral programs, the European Commission also has a funding mechanism called the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), which provides targeted support for IPs to protect them against discrimination and safeguard their rights. Activities under this mechanism include capacity building, reinforcing the exchange of information and representation in international fora. This is because we believe that active cooperation with IPs is a key factor in poverty alleviation, sustainable development, protection of human rights and promotion of democracy.

As I said, this Exhibit showcases the achievements of Indigenous Peoples in assuring respect for their rights, preserving their cultural identity and managing their own strategies towards sustainable development.

For this event, we have invited 12 indigenous groups from across the Philippines to take part in presenting success stories achieved by their respective communities , such as securing a land-title, ensuring peace for their community, implementing tribal governance, achieving sustainable development practices, and preserving their way of life.

In conclusion, I would like to share with you the core message of the European Commissioner for External Relations, Mrs. Benita Ferrero-Waldner on the occasion of this international day of IPs:

"…….we in the European Commission will not rest until indigenous peoples have equality wherever they live in the world. We must meet the high expectations people have of the Second International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples. We must commit ourselves to ensuring all indigenous peoples everywhere see a positive difference to their lives. And we must help their representatives who worked so hard for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by fighting with them for a more just and inclusive society, for the benefit of indigenous peoples and all of humanity."

A profound “thank you” to those indigenous peoples’ representative who are present here tonight, for sharing a little bit of their culture, traditions and knowledge with us. We will continue to partner with all of you in our common goal to alleviate poverty in the Philippines and to make sure that the rights of the indigenous peoples are protected and promoted in all aspects of development.

Thank you and Mabuhay! #