Support the Sarayaku People's Right to Their Land
- by: Raedene M.
- recipient: The General Secretariat of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the United Nations Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon
The Sarayaku People in Ecuador have been fighting to keep their land since 2002. According to Amnesty International, the government of Ecuador did not consult with the Sarayaku People when they brokered a deal with a foreign oil company that allowed them to look for oil on Sarayaku land.
Fortunately for the Sarayaku, they were able to resist and hold off these explorations and they have been in a legal battle with the Ecuadorian government ever since. Amnesty states that international law requires any state to consult with any community about their land prior to offering it to any other party. The Ecuadorian government clearly violated this law.
The Sarayaku’s case has been taken to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and they are expected to make a decision soon.
Please tell the Inter-American Court of Human Rights that you support the Sarayaku Peoples’ right to keep their land undisturbed.
We the undersigned sincerely ask the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the United Nations to support and protect the Sarayaku People’s right to their traditional lands in Ecuador. Back in 2002, the Ecuadorian government told a foreign oil company that they could explore Sarayaku land for oil without consulting the Sarayaku People. This is a violation of international legislation as a state must consult with a community if the decision they make impacts the lives of the community members. Fortunately, the Sarayaku People were able to hold off these explorations; however they are still fighting to keep their land.
Please support them and show the world that indigenous rights are very important and their land and culture must be respected and protected.
Thank you.
