UN Permanent Forum Rebukes U.S. for Ignoring Standing Rock and Other Tribal Nations

[geardaddy]

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2016/09/02/un-permanent-forum-rebukes-us-ignoring-standing-rock-and-other-tribal-nations-165657

The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues has agreed with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the nearly 200 other tribes that say the Dakota Access oil pipeline’s route was mapped out without adequate consultation.

“The project was proposed and planned without any consultation with the Standing Rock Sioux or others that will be affected by this major project,” said Chairman Alvaro Pop Ac, in a joint statement with Forum members Dalee Dorough and Chief Edward John.

The U.N. body went on to outline the $3.8 billion project’s parameters and the threat to security and drinking-water access for not only the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe but also for millions of people living downstream from the Missouri River, which the pipeline would cross.

“Given these circumstances, we call on the government of the United States to comply with the provisions recognized in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and ensure the right of the Sioux to participate in decision-making, considering that the construction of this pipeline will affect their rights, lives and territory,” the statement said, quoting Article 19 of the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. “States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the indigenous peoples concerned in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures that may affect them.”

Rest at link

[niyad]

1. k and r with thanks

[G_j]

2. this is absolutely heartbreaking

[WhiteTara]

3. Will they send the UN troops to watch

over this? That would be fairly incredible!