By Zoila Palma: The National Garifuna Council (NGC) and the Belize National Indigenous Council (BENIC) issued a statement today expressing grave concern regarding the disturbing reports emerging from Indian Creek Village, including the alleged kidnapping of the village chairperson.
“As the representative organizations of the Indigenous Peoples of Belize, we stand in firm solidarity with the Maya community at this critical time. The Maya and the Garinagu are the two Indigenous Peoples of Belize, and our histories reflect a shared and continuing struggle to protect our ancestral lands, cultures, and rights,” the National Garifuna Council said.
“The situation in Indian Creek appears to be deeply rooted in longstanding tensions surrounding the recognition and protection of Indigenous land rights and traditional land use. These rights have already been affirmed through landmark legal decisions and are protected under the Constitution of Belize, as well as under international human rights instruments recognizing the collective rights of Indigenous Peoples,” the council added.
The National Garifuna Council further denounced “acts of intimidation, coercion, or violence directed toward Indigenous leaders and communities are unacceptable and undermine the rule of law, community safety, and democratic governance.”
The National Garifuna Council further called for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident in Indian Creek and the immediate protection of the safety and rights of community leaders and residents.
The council called for continued respect for the constitutional and internationally recognized rights of Indigenous Peoples, including their traditional relationship with their ancestral lands.
“The Garifuna community stands in solidarity with the Maya people of Indian Creek and the wider Maya community as they continue to advocate for the recognition and protection of the rights and freedoms afforded to them under the laws of Belize and international conventions,” the council expressed.
The post National Garifuna Council expresses solidarity with Maya community appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The National Garifuna Council (NGC) and the Belize National Indigenous Council (BENIC) issued a statement today expressing grave concern regarding the disturbing reports emerging from Indian Creek Village, including the alleged kidnapping of the village chairperson. “As the representative organizations of the Indigenous Peoples of Belize, we stand in firm solidarity with
The post National Garifuna Council expresses solidarity with Maya community appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
