United Nations, Apr 17 (Prensa Latina) Cuba”s permanent representative at the United Nations, Anayansi Rodríguez, expressed concern today about how political or economic interests are used to justify the deprivation of the indigenous peoples” right to their traditional territories and resources.
That is stated in a report submitted to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and quoted by the Cuban ambassador in her speech at the meeting.
The obstacles to access land and resources prevent indigenous groups from exercising their right to development and generate situations of marginalization and discrimination, in addition to imposing legal and administrative barriers on the recognition of their collective rights, she complained.
In order to harmonize national priorities with the indigenous peoples’ collective rights to their territories, it is necessary that these communities participate effectively in the processes of management and development of resources, she said.
Rodriguez also pointed out that it is a duty of the States to guarantee access to this right.