By Sovereign Hager
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America
EL GRAN CHACO, Paraguay and Bolivia – The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issueshas expressed grave concern in two recently released reports over findings of forced labor of indigenous people in the Chaco regions of Paraguay and Bolivia. The report also cited findings of abuses related to land rights, child labor, freedom of association and discrimination. Permanent Forum Chairperson Victoria Tauli-Corpuz even found that “in some areas, those seeking to defend their rights were the target of systematic violence and threats.”
Three Permanent Forum members were in the investigatory mission along with experts from several UN agencies. The reports recommend that the governments of Bolivia and Paraguay take steps to address forced labor beyond what is already in place. This should include increased presence of state institutions in forced labor areas to ensure the enforcement of domestic and international labor law, security and legal services, social services and rural development.
Evo Morales has stated his intent to aid the tens of thousands of ethnic Guarani who live in eastern Bolivia by creating a 390,000-acre reservation. Guarani leaders in Bolivia have expressed optimism about positive progress under Morales’ government. However, land owners in the area have vowed to resist any attempts of land reform.
The Permanent Forum was clear in stating that “all efforts to address the situation of indigenous peoples of the Chaco region must . . . include restoration of territorial and land rights for indigenous peoples, and the promotion and application of the principle of non-discrimination in all spheres of life of indigenous peoples.”
Reports over the last four decades by researchers and non-governmental organizations have made similar findings regarding the indigenous people of the Chaco region, who live in a state “reminiscent of slavery.” Most land in the Chaco region is owned by non-indigenous people, who government and international observers say force landless indigenous families into labor. Many people are paid only in food and clothing, or live in debt bondage.
For more information, please see:
Indian Country Today – Permanent Forum Wants Forced Labor Stopped – 17 September 2009
The Scoop – Forced Labour Of Indigenous Peoples in Bolivia – 1 September 2009
The Business Age – Chaco Indigenous People Suffer Forced Labor, Abuse: U.N. – 31 August 2009
United Press International – U.N.: Protect Chaco Indigenous People – 31 August 2009
