Asian Indigenous Peoples Pact

Asian Indigenous Peoples Pact

The Asian Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) is a regional organization that advocates for the rights and self-determination of indigenous peoples in Asia. Established in 1992, AIPP plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous communities, particularly in the context of Dutch colonization in Southeast Asia. The organization's work is significant, as it addresses the historical injustices and ongoing struggles faced by indigenous peoples in the region, including the Dayak people of Borneo and the Papuan people of New Guinea. AIPP's efforts are closely tied to the broader movement for indigenous rights and self-determination, which involves organizations such as the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs.

● Introduction to

the Asian Indigenous Peoples Pact The Asian Indigenous Peoples Pact is a non-governmental organization that aims to promote and protect the rights of indigenous peoples in Asia. AIPP's work is focused on addressing the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization and imperialism on indigenous communities, including the legacy of Dutch East India Company and the VOC. The organization's membership includes indigenous peoples' organizations from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand, among others. AIPP's work is closely tied to the principles of self-determination and free, prior and informed consent, which are enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

● History and

Context within Dutch Colonization The history of the Asian Indigenous Peoples Pact is closely tied to the context of Dutch colonization in Southeast Asia. The Dutch East Indies was a colonial empire that existed from the 17th to the 20th century, and its legacy continues to impact indigenous communities in the region. AIPP's work is focused on addressing the historical injustices and ongoing struggles faced by indigenous peoples, including the exploitation of natural resources and the erasure of indigenous cultures. The organization's efforts are also informed by the experiences of indigenous peoples in other parts of Asia, such as the Adivasi people of India and the Karen people of Myanmar. AIPP's work is supported by organizations such as the European Commission and the Ford Foundation, which have provided funding and technical assistance to the organization.

● Organization and Membership

The Asian Indigenous Peoples Pact is a membership-based organization that includes indigenous peoples' organizations from across Asia. AIPP's membership is diverse and includes organizations such as the Indigenous Peoples' Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN) of Indonesia, the Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS) of Malaysia, and the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) of the Philippines. AIPP's governing structure includes a general assembly, a council, and a secretariat, which are responsible for making decisions and implementing the organization's programs. AIPP also has partnerships with other organizations, such as the International Labor Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which support the organization's work on indigenous rights and sustainable development.

● Advocacy for Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination

The Asian Indigenous Peoples Pact is a strong advocate for the rights and self-determination of indigenous peoples in Asia. AIPP's work is focused on promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous communities, including their rights to land, territory, and natural resources. The organization's advocacy efforts are informed by the principles of free, prior and informed consent and self-determination, which are enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. AIPP's work is also supported by organizations such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, which have recognized the importance of indigenous peoples' rights in the context of sustainable development and poverty reduction. AIPP has also collaborated with academic institutions such as the University of the Philippines and the National University of Singapore to promote research and education on indigenous rights.

● Resistance against Colonial Legacy and Land

Grabs The Asian Indigenous Peoples Pact is actively involved in resisting the colonial legacy and land grabs that continue to impact indigenous communities in Asia. AIPP's work is focused on supporting indigenous peoples' struggles against land grabbing and displacement, which are often driven by corporate interests and government policies. The organization's efforts are informed by the principles of self-determination and indigenous rights, which recognize the rights of indigenous peoples to their land, territory, and natural resources. AIPP's work is also supported by organizations such as the La Via Campesina and the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, which have recognized the importance of indigenous peoples' rights in the context of food sovereignty and agroecology. AIPP has also worked with human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to document and expose human rights violations against indigenous peoples.

● International Cooperation and Solidarity

The Asian Indigenous Peoples Pact is committed to international cooperation and solidarity with other indigenous peoples' organizations and social movements. AIPP's work is informed by the principles of solidarity and mutual support, which recognize the importance of cooperation and collaboration in promoting and protecting indigenous peoples' rights. The organization's international partnerships include organizations such as the Indigenous Peoples' Biocultural Climate Change Assessment (IPCCA) and the Climate Action Network (CAN), which support AIPP's work on climate change and sustainable development. AIPP has also participated in international forums such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to promote indigenous peoples' rights and interests.

● Impact on Southeast Asian Communities and

Policy The Asian Indigenous Peoples Pact has had a significant impact on Southeast Asian communities and policy, particularly in the context of indigenous rights and self-determination. AIPP's work has supported the development of policies and laws that recognize and protect indigenous peoples' rights, such as the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of the Philippines and the Law on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples of Indonesia. The organization's efforts have also informed the development of regional and international policies, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Human Rights Declaration and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. AIPP's work has also been recognized by awards such as the Right Livelihood Award and the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education, which have acknowledged the organization's contributions to promoting and protecting indigenous peoples' rights.