In 1492 a long-standing conflict was born in the Americas: to what extent should the conquering Europeans respect the rights of the indigenous population?
In the 21st century where the rights of minorities have become a firmly established norm in the international community, shouldn`t Colombia`s indigenous people have their rights guaranteed by the Colombian government?
Earlier this week a deal was struck between the government and representatives of the indigenous population in the southern Colombian department of Cauca – where they make up 20% of the population. The resolution hopes to bring to an end a 22-year dispute over the failure to deliver the indigenous community land and autonomy as promised by the 1991 Colombia Constitution.
$42m will now be invested in land for the community, and the government has promised improvements in health and education coverage. The National Indigenous Organisation of Colombia (ONIC) described the deal as a “fundamental step” towards autonomy.
The agreement brings to an end a week of protests against the government which had paralyzed the Pan-American Highway between Cali and Popayan, causing food and fuel shortages across Cauca. Matters were aggravated with the deaths of two protesters amid reports of excessive force by government security forces. The State has claimed FARC infiltration of the protests.
Despite the agreement on land, the two parties failed to find accord elsewhere. The indigenous communities voice opposition to the effect of mining projects on the environment of their reservations, and also to the Free Trade Agreement with the US which they indicate is threatening their agricultural livelihood. Misgivings remain too over the government’s “democratic security” policies.
The government’s position is borne out of its economics; it believes that in granting concessions to the indigenous community it would impede the nation’s ability to benefit from the natural resources on indigenous reservations, and that granting concessions to protect indigenous communities from the negative effects of the FTA with the US would run counter to the Santos government`s liberal economic policies.
Nevertheless, the fact a deal was struck, does suggest Colombia`s indigenous community is growing in political confidence. These communities have been some of the hardest hit by the armed conflict and the Colombian government’s failure to deliver on promises made 22 years ago has been shameful.
The promises go a small way to granting the indigenous people of Colombia the right to self-determination and to a decent standard of living, though the failure to reach agreements on the FTA, mining and the presence of government security forces in indigenous areas suggests that the saga is likely to rear its ugly head again in the future.