Renewed tension between the Rapa Nui people and the Chilean government has prompted the Indian Law Resource Center to file a request for protection orders on behalf of the Rapa Nui clans with an international human rights body.
August 28, 2015 —
Chilean police have arrested and jailed three prominent Rapa Nui leaders following protests Aug. 26, 2015, against an illegal search of the Rapa Nui Parliament offices. Eliza Riroroko was arrested on Easter Island and faces a 120 day hold in Chilean custody. Eliza’s father, Matias Riroroko, was taken into custody in Santiago, Chile. In addition, the president of the Rapa Nui Parliament, Leviante Araki, was also arrested when he attempted to enter a Rapa Nui sacred site on Aug. 27.
The Rapa Nui people have been fighting for self-determination since the Chilean annexation in 1888.
Rapa Nui culture and heritage are known around the world, especially the statues or Moai and the ahus, which are the sacred burial places of the Rapa Nui people, and they are a part of the cultural heritage of humanity.
Unchecked Chilean immigration to the island has become unsustainable due to limited natural resources on the island. Making matters worse, Chilean authorities have not adequately preserved the ancestral sites.
Executive Director, Robert T. Coulter, addressed the 30th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva today recommending the swift establishment of an implementing and monitoring body for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The statement makes a number of recommendations about this body, including specific proposals regarding its mandate, structure, and composition.
Rapa Nui leader, Santi Hitorangi, addressed the UN Human Rights Council on Sept. 18, 2015, in Geneva, seeking international support for the Rapa Nui’s right of self-determination and decolonization from Chile. “We, the Rapa Nui people, continue to fight for our right of self-determination, for protection and management of the Moai, our sacred burial sites, for regulation of immigration to our island, and the decolonization of our territory,” stated Santi Hitorangi, member of the Hitorangi Clan.
Center delivers joint statement with Amnesty International to UN Human Rights Council
Resource available in English and Spanish
UN Seeks input from Indigenous Peoples
Center submits statement urging for law reform to protect indigenous women
Negotiations continue through May 2015
Four years ago, on December 16, 2010, when the United States issued its statement of support for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, it joined the world community in welcoming a new era of human rights.
Bringing the UN Declaration into effect.
Armstrong Wiggines urges world leaders to take action in Peru
New report recommends actions to protect Native women and children.
U.S. compliance with ICERD reveals more than 20 areas of discriminatory laws, practices, and policies, including violence against women.
Indian nations and organizations are banding together to call for strong, action-oriented outcomes from the UN World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.
On September 22 and 23, 2014, the United Nations held the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples in order to share perspectives and best practices on the realization of the rights of indigenous peoples, including to pursue the objectives of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The World Conference resulted in a concise, action-oriented outcome document with major commitments by the UN and member states to advance the rights of indigenous peoples.
Coulter warns an FPIC approach to indigenous rights is backward, confusing, and can be a disservice to indigenous peoples.
Center releases an assessment on the readiness of Indian nations to exercise enhanced sentencing authority under TLOA and VAWA 2013.
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Video and resources from the October 9 panel discussion, "Indigenous Peoples’ Lands and Development: World Bank Interventions and Lessons Learned" (More...)
October 21, 2013 | Eight videos aimed at raising awareness of violence against Native women and redefining Native love are set to be released by end of the year. (More ...)
October 11, 2013 | Tribal leaders file two administrative appeals to stop an election that would allow non-tribal members a vote on a proposed new constitution. (More>>)
September 2013 | Highlights from the Center's participation in the 24th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland (MORE...)
Op-Ed by Armstrong Wiggins | May 31, 2013
Indigenous rights must be a priority for Secretary of State John Kerry during his visit to Guatemala next week. (in English..) (en Español...)
