IPs and peace processes Comparative Learning Conference of IPs in the Philippines 12, 13 November 2009 Sulong CARHRIHL, Conciliation Resources Kristian Herbolzheimer

Overview Some million IPs in the world Some difficulties with definitions Struggle for maintaining culture and territory All share a history of injustice Different populations: ◦ Colombia: 1% ◦ Philippines: 10% ◦ Guatemala: 60%

Guatemala Armed conflict: IP awakening: “500 years of resistance” campaign National coordinating effort International solidarity among IPs Increase in self-confidence: non-IP intermediaries not necessary Significant role in negotiations, peace agreement, & implementation

Instruments for protection Philippines: IPRA (1997) International: ◦ Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination (1966) ◦ Declaration of Rights of Persons belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities (1992) ◦ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007)

Armed conflicts Some 35 ongoing armed conflicts worldwide. Many conflicts affect IPs, disproportionally: ◦ Forced displacement ◦ Recruitment ◦ Rape ◦ Killing ◦ Destruction of livelihood

IPs responses to armed conflict Passive resistance: avoidance Active resistance: confrontation ◦ Violent ◦ Nonviolent

IPs in armed conflict Some groups fight “in the name of IPs” (Guatemala) Cases of forced recruitment Some IPs join armed groups voluntarily (Sudan) In some cases IPs organize their own armed groups (NE India, Mexico… CPLA, QL) IPs also fight against IPs (Papua New Guinea)

Cultural dimension Some groups have a warrior tradition Others have a peaceful tradition Traditions change over time

IPs in peace processes Struggle for their rights (Guatemala) Struggle for others’ rights: ◦ national (Bolivia) ◦ international (Zapatistas) Separatism vs. strengthening democracy though IP notions of power, participation and justice

IP women in peace processes IP women face double discrimination Increasing role of women Nepal (National Indigenous Women’s Federation): ◦ Advocate for women’s role in political process ◦ Negotiations with the Maoist rebels ◦ Training of women on conflict resolution and literacy Naga Mother’s Association: ◦ shaming the Armed Forces ◦ bridge-building among warring IP factions