Call for constitutional recognition of indigenous people

April 21, 2011

Speakers at a discussion yesterday urged all not to lose sight of constitutional recognition of indigenous people's fundamental rights amid debates on how to constitutionally recognise indigenous communities

Apart from including the term “advivasi” in the constitution, the rights of these people including equal opportunities, decision-making power and rights to land and other natural resources should also receive constitutional recognition, they said.Speakers at a discussion yesterday urged all not to lose sight of constitutional recognition of indigenous people's fundamental rights amid debates on how to constitutionally recognise indigenous communities.

The opinions came at a discussion titled “Constitution amendment: constitutional recognition of indigenous people and its relevance” jointly organised by Kapeng Foundation and International Labour Organization (ILO) at CIRDAP auditorium in the city.

“There is no question that indigenous people would receive constitutional recognition. The debate is in how will they be recognised,” said Pramod Mankin, state minister for Cultural Affairs, speaking as the chief guest.

The government is reluctant to recognise indigenous people as “indigenous” as it questions ethnicity of the country's native Bangalees, said Mankin.

Syed Abul Maqsud, Kapeng Foundation Chairperson Rabindranath Soren, human rights activist Barrister Sara Hossain, Chief of Chakma Circle Barrister Raja Debashis Roy, Bangladesh Adivasi Forum Organisational Coordinator Shaktipad Tripura and ILO National Coordinator Avilash Tripura also spoke.

..........................................................................................

Courtesy: The Daily Star