Implementation of the EU policy on indigenous peoples

A three-day Conference entitled "Speaking Out: Indigenous Views of Development and the Implementation of the EU Policy on Indigenous Peoples", will be organized in Brussels, Centre Borschette, from 18th to 20th June 2002. This meeting will provide a unique opportunity for dialogue between the European Commission and indigenous peoples' delegates from all around the world.

The Conference aims to cast light on how Indigenous Peoples' specific needs are accounted for in the European Commission's development co-operation. Discussions will be inspired by presentations of concrete examples by the indigenous delegates. Case studies will include EU development projects in the Philippines, Panama, Indonesia, Colombia, India, Thailand and Cameroon.

The Conference will make practical suggestions as to how the European Union, which together with its member states is the world's largest donor of overseas aid, can more effectively implement its Resolution on Indigenous Peoples, adopted by the Development Council of the European Union in November 1998.

The Conference is co-organized by the International Alliance of Indigenous-Tribal Peoples of the Tropical Rainforests (1) , the Rainforest Foundation (2) , and the European Commission. Addressing the conference will be Mr Poul Nielson, Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Mr Joaquim Miranda, Chairperson of the European Parliament's Development Committee and representatives from the present and future EU presidencies (Spain and Denmark). Please find, attached, the programme of the event.

"In many countries around the world, the European Union, through its aid programme and through dialogue with governments, could play a critical role in determining the fate of millions of native people. The EU has an excellent policy to guide its actions, but what are now needed are concrete actions to make that policy a reality".

(Mr Simon Counsell, Director, Rainforest Foundation)

"The development co-operation should contribute to enhancing the right and capacity of indigenous peoples to their "self-development". This implies integrating the concern for indigenous peoples as a cross-cutting aspect at all levels of development co-operation".

(The 1998 Council Resolution on Indigenous Peoples within the Framework of the Development Co-operation of the EU and Member States)

Journalists are invited to attend the Conference. For accreditation, please send a request by e-mail to SaraG@rainforestuk.com

PRESS BRIEFING

Date 17 June 11:00 Venue Centre Borschette, Room 0A A press pack will be made available

PRESS CONFERENCE

Date 20 June 17:00 (timing subject to slight changes) Venue Centre Borschette, Room 0A The address of Centre Borschette is: 36, rue Froissart, Brussels


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

International Alliance of Indigenous-Tribal Peoples of the Tropical Rainforests Mr. Pashuram Tamang, Executive Secretary, 14 Rudolph Place Business Estate, Miles Street, London SW8 1RP, UK, Tel. +44 (0) 207 587 3737 (Office)

Rainforest Foundation Mr. Simon Counsell, Director, Suite A5 City Cloisters, 196 Old Street, London EC1V 9FR, UK. Tel. +44 (0) 207 251 6345 (Office), +44 (0) 7941 899 579 (mobile)

European Commission Mr. Tim Clarke, Head of Unit, EuropeAid Co-operation Office, Unit F3 - Democracy and Human Rights, Rue Josephe II Nr. 54 - 7/20, B-1049 Brussels, Tel: +32 (0) 2 29 61 704 (Office), Fax: +32 (0) 2 29 66 630


(1) 1 The International Alliance of Indigenous-Tribal Peoples of the Tropical Forests is the worldwide network of the organisations of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples living in tropical forests countries. The objectives of the International Alliance are to secure recognition of, and respect for the rights of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, through national, regional and international advocacy, policy intervention, capacity-building and institutional strengthening, and networking, thus contributing to sustainable human development of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples worldwide.

(2) 2 The Rainforest Foundation supports Indigenous Peoples and traditional populations of the worlds rainforests in their efforts to protect their environment and fulfil their rights. The Foundation does so by supporting small-scale community-based development projects. Over the last four years, the Rainforest Foundation has taken a particular interest in the environmental and social impacts of European Community-financed development programmes.

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