Agir avec les peuples oubliés ICRA International

+

Land of the Maikiuants threatened by the mining industry

In Ecuador, Maikiuant territory is at present divided between the lands of several transnational companies, which together own 300,000 hectares of forest ready to be exploited. This threat is a constant weight on the lives of thousands of Shuars, and compromises the balance of a fragile ecosystem. 
As a free people, The Maikiuants follow their inspirations, work communally, eat their fill and take time to sing and laugh to express the joy of freedom.

In order to continue living in peace on their territory and transmit their traditions to future generations, the "PUEBLO SHUAR ARUTAM (PSHA)" organization, based in the province of Morona Santiago (Ecuador) emphasizes the following points in its dealings with the Ecuadorian government and the industries active in mining:

1. To respect ILO convention # 169, the UN Declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples, and human rights.

2. To respect the free political, social, economic and cultural self-determination of Shuar people. To refer to the UN Declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples and to convention # 169.

3. To put an end to exploitation, particularly the mining exploitation on the lands of PSHA, practiced without prior consultation of the indigenous communities living in this territory. The companies concerned are: Lowell Mineral in the Warints community, ECSA in the Nankints community, SAN CARLOS PANANZA, CELEC. EP in the Zamora and Santiago river basins, ECUASOLIDOS in KUTUKU SHAIMI et SOLGOOLD protective forests.

4. To stop extracting non-renewable resources from PSHA territory. These lands are vital for the survival of the Shuar people.

5. To undertake a revision of the political constitution of the State, and of the legislation safeguarding the development of indigenous communities on PSHA land. 

6. To set up lines of communication with the national government in order to develop, by joint agreement, an intercultural program drawing on the cultural diversity of Ecuador.
7. To demilitarize the communities of the parroquia Pananza and San Carlos. They require peace and quiet in order to open a dialogue.

8. To organize a bilateral dialogue leading to agreements on development activities on PSHA territory.

9. To stop persecutions against Shuar authorities who defend the values and interests of the various communities.


‹ Go Back