The Orinoco Mining Arc has meant the end of the self-determination of indigenous peoples in the Venezuelan Amazon, according to a statement by defenders of the Human Rights of indigenous peoples. The document was released by lawyer and indigenous rights defender Olnar Ortiz.
The document is the result of an exhaustive analysis of the report on the situation of human rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (A/HRC/53/54), pursuant to Human Rights Council Resolution 59/21. The text establishes the position of the Venezuelan indigenous movements and is addressed to the Venezuelan State, the indigenous movements, non-governmental organizations and the international community.
The Orinoco Mining Arc and Human Rights Violations
The Government-designated Mining area in southern Venezuela known as the Orinoco Mining Arc harms the right to self-determination of indigenous peoples. It has also negatively affected their rights over their territories and resources, as well as other environmental rights and their right to live in peace and security.
In this context, the Orinoco Mining Arc has negatively affected the economy, culture and the entire indigenous society of the Venezuelan Amazon.
The document reiterates the obligation to obtain the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples, which must be given in good faith and through their own legitimate institutions and representatives before the adoption or implementation of any decision.
The Venezuelan Armed Force announces a reforestation plan
The indigenous peoples of the Amazon also question the recent project launched by Venezuela’s Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) to reforest the areas affected by mining.
The indigenous communities questioned the lack of prior consultation before the implementation of the project, which constitutes a violation of indigenous rights. However, they do not make any objection to the nature of the project but to how the implementation was decided upon.
They also denounce the presence of groups of armed civilians who are allegedly involved in crimes such as sexual violence against indigenous women and girls.
According to the text, harassment, threats, kidnappings and enforced disappearances persist. While all these crimes occur, the Venezuelan State has failed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Translated by José Rafael Medina
