By Holy See Mission
Statement by H.E. Archbishop Celestino MiglioreApostolic Nuncio,
Permanent Observer of the Holy SeeEconomic and Social Council9th
session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous IssuesOn Item
3:Discussion on the special theme for the year:Indigenous peoples:
development with culture and identity:articles 3 and 32 of the United
Nations Declarationon the Rights of Indigenous PeoplesNew York, 20
April 2010
Mr. Chairman,
At the outset, my delegation would like to commend you, Mr. Chairman, for
your conducting of this session and wishes you every success in your
endeavours.
This year’s special theme: “Indigenous peoples: development with culture
and identity” draws our particular attention in the aftermath of the
devastating financial crisis, which has hit hard also the indigenous population.
Taking this into account, the Holy See through its multifaceted organizations
and grass-roots level structures has extended its programs and projects for the
comprehensive advancement of indigenous peoples.
It is heartening to see that after the adoption of the Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples, despite the shortfalls and slow pace in certain
sectors, promising progress has been achieved on indigenous issues, as laudable
attempts are being made to preserve their culture and patrimony.
The shift of development policies in favor of respect for local cultures,
including indigenous cultures, is long overdue. By integrating culture into
development policies, there undoubtedly will be more effective results. However,
this process is not self-evident. It needs some preliminary clarifications. For
instance, which comes first: culture or development? Which must be integrated
with which? May cultures follow any developmental model and ethic or must
development integrate the ethic of different cultures?
The Holy See considers it fundamental to have a holistic vision of
development which entails the well-being of the whole person and of the entire
community and emphasizes in particular the dimension of cultural identity. In
this line, the objective of development is inextricably linked with the
alleviation of poverty and the lifting of living standards of each and every
person in a sustainable manner which includes cultural, social, spiritual,
institutional, juridical, economic and educational dimensions. The traditional
indigenous vision of development focuses on human development in its entirety
and understands that the earth and environment are sacred and good for our use;
these gifts, needed for human existence, should not be abused. Such resources
should not be reduced to mere economic assets as they also form an important
basis for their social and cultural integrity and identity. A human rights-based
approach to development that takes into account collective rights and the ethos
of benefit-sharing that affirms their vital connection to their lands and
territories needs to be promoted. In addition to the economic dimension,
development must include also social, cultural and spiritual elements. Their
deep sense of religious consciousness, of family and of community cohesiveness
and desire for living in a strong symbiosis with nature must be respected. Any
developmental program in an indigenous zone that does not respect these cultural
traits can do more harm than good.
Fostering indigenous culture does not mean always going back to the past, but
entails going forward maintaining traditionally transmitted values and
principles. Indigenous culture is based on time-honoured and collective values,
enriched through the promotion of traditional ways of learning and transferring
knowledge. Respect for human life and dignity, representative decision-making
processes, the practice of justice mechanisms and ceremonies are important. In
the face of modernization, industrialization and urbanization, these values must
not be overlooked. This necessitates promoting understanding and respect for
indigenous culture. Indigenous peoples must be able to choose their language,
practice their religion, and actively participate in shaping their
culture.
Cultural liberty as a human right of the indigenous peoples and respect for
their ethnicity, religion, and language must be ensured. In preserving their
cultural heritage, promotion of indigenous languages and intercultural education
is critical .In this spirit, the Holy See promotes centers of indigenous
languages, oversees compiling of grammar books and commissions hundreds of
translations into those languages, often menaced by natural extinction. A wide
range of such collections are available for researchers in different Pontifical
Universities and institutes of higher education.
The Holy See is committed to the promotion of cultural development, targeting
the human and spiritual enrichment of populations. The leadership of the elders
of every community is crucial in this regard and calls for their wise reflection
and daring foresight. The formation of the younger generations and comprehensive
education in such cultural values are very important.
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, my delegation would like to express its
satisfaction that more and more States are showing a political gesture in
adopting the Declaration and hopes that the entire UN membership will eventually
adopt it so that the value and dignity of the centuries-old cultural patrimony
of the indigenous peoples will be more fully respected, which cannot but
contribute to promoting peace among peoples and nations.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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