Thursday, October 3, 2019

TONATIERRA: Carta al Consul General de Mexico - Phoenix, AZ



TONATIERRA
Community Development Institute
PO Box 24009
Phoenix, AZ 85074





26 de Septiembre de 2019

Cónsul General de México en Phoenix,
Sr. Jorge Mendoza Yescas
302 N. McDowell
Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Estimado Señor Cónsul,

Con la intención de avanzar un proceso de seguimiento efectivo y responsable con su oficina y el gobierno de México en la defensa de los Derechos Civiles - Derechos Humanos - Derechos Indígenas y la protección de la Madre Tierra en los territorios de nuestros Pueblos Originales referenciadas en el Tratado de Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848), señalamos como referentes históricos lo siguiente: 

Contexto
La ratificación del Tratado de Guadalupe Hidalgo entre los gobiernos de México-EE. UU. en 1848 precede por veinte años la ratificación de la 14ª Enmienda a la Constitución de Estados Unidos (1868) por la cual los derechos de la ciudadanía y nacionalidad estadounidense se reconocieron por primera vez en la historia legal de Estados Unidos para individuales “no blancos".

Los artículos 8 y 9 del Tratado de Guadalupe Hidalgo (México-EE. UU. 1848) hacen referencia a los Mexicanos “establecidos” y “no establecidos” en los territorios cedidos a los Estados Unidos en el contexto de derechos y obligaciones de nacionalidad y ciudadanía en el territorio.  No aparece ninguna mención de los derechos del los Pueblos Originales en el tratado, salvo de ser objetos de campanas militares de al servicio de los gobiernos de las dos republicas contra las “tribus salvajes”.

La constitución vigente de la Republica de México en 1848 era la Constitución de 1824, que no contempló expresamente los derechos ciudadanos. En la Constitución de 1824, el derecho de igualdad de los ciudadanos Mexicanos quedó restringido por la permanencia del fuero militar y eclesiástico. Típico de los “Estados Criollos” de Latino América, el reclamo territorial de la “independiente” republica en la Constitución de 1824 fue basado en las Bulas Alejandrinas del Virreinato de Nueva España. No existe ninguna mención del los Pueblos Indígenas de México, mucho menos sus derechos colectivos.

Clarificaciones: 

En consideración de lo anterior, y reevaluando la personalidad internacional colectivo de los Pueblos Originales y Constituyentes Mexicanos al norte de la frontera actual entre México y EE.UU., quienes desde 1848 hemos tenido que enfrentar el racismo institucional de la sociedad Anglo-Americana y sus políticas de persecución racial como la AZ SB1070 en Arizona, exigimos el reconocimiento oficial del gobierno Mexicano de nuestros Pueblos Originales en los Territorios del Tratado de Guadalupe Hidalgo en cumplimento de su deber como gobierno de mantener la Paz entre Pueblos con los criterios siguientes:

Iniciando con la repuesta definitiva del gobierno de México a esta pregunta: 

¿Con cual justificación el gobierno mexicano de 1848 presumió negociar por los derechos territoriales y derechos humanos de los Pueblos Indígenas del territorio que nunca dieron su consentimiento a tal acuerdo de representación en las negociaciones del Tratado de Guadalupe Hidalgo? 

Derechos Civiles
 
Al adoptar la 14ª Enmienda a la Constitución de los EE.UU (1868), el principio de debido proceso establece que no es permitido cualquier forma de discriminación por parte de las instituciones publicas, como son las escuelas, la salud publica, la policía, el departamento de inmigración, o las cortes en todo nivel. 

 
Derechos Humanos 
 
El articulo 23 de la Declaración Universal de Derechos Humanos establece que: “Toda persona tiene derecho al trabajo...” pero la situación actual que vivimos en la comunidad es que el derecho a trabajar por el bienestar de nuestras familias y comunidades se ha criminalizado con un régimen de legalidad que limita el acceso de “empleo” a favor de intereses económicos que abusan de nuestra labor. 

 
Derechos Indígenas 
 
Con la adopción de la Declaración sobre Derechos de Pueblos Indígenas de las Naciones Unidas (2007), el reconocimiento del derecho de Libre Determinación de los Pueblos Indígenas, sin discriminación y en igualdad con todos los demás pueblos del mundo queda establecida como norma y principio de una nueva relación entre los estados y los Pueblos Originales. 

Defensa del la Integridad Territorial de la Madre Tierra 
 
No hay derecho sin obligación. Como Pueblos Originales de la Madre Tierra, responsables para el bien estar de nuestras naciones con la naturaleza atreves de las generaciones pasadas y venideras, exigimos el reconocimiento, respeto, y mecanismos efectivos para la defensa de la Integridad Territorial de la Madre Tierra. 

Ayotzinapa 
 
Agradecemos nos haya recibido la semana pasada en nuestra visita con el motivo del Quinto Aniversario de la Desaparición Forzada de los 43 estudiantes de Ayotzinapa. Como bien se sabe tenemos 5 años protestando afuera de las instalaciones del consulado para que se tenga bien claro que aquí en Phoenix no se nos olvidan nuestros familiares de padres y madres de Ayotzinapa.

A pesar de los esfuerzos de transparencia y apertura por parte de la nueva administración, nos preocupa la lentitud de la investigación y que no haya una meta fija para dar con el paradero de los estudiantes. Nos preocupa porque todos sabemos que elementos del ejercito saben donde están, elementos de la policía saben donde están, el narcotráfico sabe donde están. Y sin embargo sigue la búsqueda inútil para aparentar avances por la maraña sistemática de los diferentes intereses: Los intereses de los tres niveles del gobierno y la colusión con el narco estado en que se encuentra el país mexicano. 

Plan Mérida México
 
La continuación del Plan Mérida en una colusión abierta para canalizar recursos en la guerra contra el narco que en realidad se convierte en entrenamiento y armamento para los diferentes carteles que bien sabemos se han beneficiado de los elementos del ejercito que están bajo la nomina de los carteles y que en muchas ocasiones a través del mismo Plan Mérida tienen mejor armamento y entrenamiento que las mismas instituciones encargadas de combatir el narcotráfico. 

TMEC y el Derecho de Consentimiento Libre, Previo e Informado 

La violación sistemática del derecho de Consentimiento Libre, Previo e Informado en los megaproyectos como el Tren Maya y el Tren Transístmico como es estipulado en Declaración de Derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas de Naciones Unidas (2007), igual como se presenta en el caso del Acueducto Independencia en Sonora con el robo del Rio Yaqui, hace imposible la ratificación legitima del acuerdo TMEC (USMCA) en el congreso de los Estados Unidos. La consulta fabricada no es el consentimiento.

Finalmente, le recordamos del entregue a su persona del cartucho recogido por nuestra organización TONATIERRA, al participar en la Comisión de Solidaridad Continental Indígena los días enero 22-26, 1994 en Chiapas, México.  El cartucho fue recogido en los redores de la Cueva del Coyote cercas de la aldea San Antonio de los Baños, en los Altos de San Cristóbal de las Casas. Igual como habíamos exigido al Consulado de México in Washington, D.C. el 11 de febrero de 1994, esperamos que su gobierno identifica la fuente del financiamiento y origen material de este armamento militar, preguntando como es posible que, por el Plan Mérida actual de 2019, las mismas fuentes son cómplices con la Desaparición Forzada de los 43 estudiantes de Ayotzinapa, entre miles mas desaparecidos y muertes como el ejemplo emblemático de Samir Flores Soberanes de Amilcingo, Morelos.

Agradecemos su atención y aquí le envío los correos electrónicos donde se puede comunicar con nuestra organización su confirmación de haber recibido este comunicado y su respuesta a las interrogaciones aquí presentados.

Tupac Enrique Acosta
Salvador Reza 
Sylvia Herrera

 

Monday, September 16, 2019

TONATIERRA: USMCA and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples


TONATIERRA 
Community Development Institute
PO Box 24009
Phoenix, AZ 85074 
www.tonatierra.org


September 13, 2019 


USMCA Working Group, US House of Representatives 
Speaker of the House, Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-Cal)
Reps. Richard Neal (D-MA), Chairman
Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.)
Reps. Dan Schakowsky (D-Ill.)
Reps. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.)
Reps. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.)
Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.)
Reps. John Larson (D-Conn.)
Reps. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.)
Reps. DeLauro (D-Conn.)

Good greetings.

Today, September 13, 2019, marks the 12th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Upon review of the public record of debate concerning the Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the context of the proposed US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the systemic disregard for the territorial rights and human rights of Indigenous Peoples is blatantly discriminatory, unacceptable and must be addressed before the agreement is put to vote before the House of Representatives.

Specifically, we call today for a full public hearing before the appropriate committees and/or Working Group formations of the US Congress for the purpose of informing the US congressional representatives on the Right of Indigenous Peoples to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) regarding projects which impact their collective rights. Such a public hearing must be realized before the USMCA is approved.

The USMCA has been promoted as a necessary "update" of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In distinction from NAFTA which was adopted in 1994 thirteen years before adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the signatories of USMCA must comply with the minimum standards of FPIC or the corporate consortia investing in any development project in violation of FPIC will immediately become financially liable and exposed to the risk of legal challenges and financial penalties that must be presented before their constituencies (states) and shareholders (corporations).

This principle is now well established, having been the subject of the Soft Woods Lumber Dispute (1982) between the US and Canada which acknowledged the proprietary rights of Indigenous Peoples over territories and resources in the international trade tribunals. Recognizing this fact, the World Bank has restructured its procedures, protocols and practices regarding Indigenous Peoples and the right of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent under the Environmental and Social Standard 7 to shield its interests.

There can be no approval of USMCA without recognition, respect, and effective mechanisms for the equal protection of the internationally recognized Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the trade zone encompassing the three countries, specifically the right of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). Consultation is not consent.

Without the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples, as Peoples equal to all other peoples, there can be no legitimate approval of the USMCA.

“The Indigenous peoples of the Americas possess the underlying and inalienable title to their lands. Failure by settler governments to recognize that title within USMCA is a violation of Indigenous rights and the principle of “free, prior and informed consent” enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. As a legal violation that infringes on the property rights of Indigenous peoples, this failure by settler governments creates a massive risk to the financial interests that rely on the tripartite agreement. Businesses cannot hide behind USMCA and disregard the rights of Indigenous peoples. Every investor, every corporation, every entity with a financial interest that crosses the borders between Mexico, the United States and Canada, must account for this risk when they operate on Indigenous lands. Failure to account for the risks associated with Indigenous title will result in faulty, and possibly fraudulent, valuations.”
Dr. DT Cochrane, Economist

With representation of Indigenous Peoples from Mexico-US-Canada organized under the Indigenous Network on Economies and Trade (INET), we offer to engage with willing members of Congress to bring such a proposed hearing to effect.

Please contact me at your earliest convenience to clarify the position of the USMCA Working Group regarding the issues we have raised in this intervention.

Tupac Enrique Acosta
TONATIERRA
chantlaca@tonatierra.org




Free Prior and Informed Consent FPIC

All Peoples have the right to self-determination. It is a fundamental principle in international law, embodied in the Charter of the United Nations and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.


The standard, Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), as well as Indigenous Peoples’ rights to lands, territories and natural resources are embedded within the universal right to self-determination. The normative framework for FPIC consists of a series of international legal instruments including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the International Labour Organization Convention 169 (ILO 169), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), among many others.

FPIC is a specific right that pertains to Indigenous Peoples and is recognized in the UNDRIP. It allows them to give or withhold consent to a project that may affect them or their territories. Once they have given their consent, they can withdraw it at any stage. Furthermore, FPIC enables them to negotiate the conditions under which the project will be designed, implemented, monitored and evaluated.

Consultation is not consent.

TONATIERRA
Community Development Institute
PO Box 24009

Phoenix, AZ 85074

September 13, 2019





USMCA Working Group, US House of Representatives
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, (D-Cal)
Representative Richard Neal (D-MA), Chairman Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.)
Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.)
Representative Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.)

Mike Thompson (D-Calif.)

Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) John Larson (D-Conn.)

Reps. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.)



Good greetings.



Today, September 13, 2019, marks the 12th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Upon review of the public record of debate concerning the Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the context of the proposed US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the systemic disregard for the territorial rights and human rights of Indigenous Peoples is blatantly discriminatory, unacceptable and must be addressed before the agreement is put to vote before the House of Representatives.



Specifically, we call today for a full public hearing before the appropriate committees and/or Working Group formations of the US Congress for the purpose of informing the US congressional representatives on the Right of Indigenous Peoples to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) regarding projects which impact their collective rights. Such a public hearing must be realized before the USMCA is approved.



The USMCA has been promoted as a necessary "update" of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In distinction from NAFTA which was adopted in 1994 thirteen years before adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the signatories of USMCA must comply with the minimum standards of FPIC or the corporate consortia investing in any development project in violation of FPIC will immediately become financially liable and exposed to the risk of legal challenges and financial penalties that must be presented before their constituencies (states) and shareholders (corporations).



This principle is now well established, having been the subject of the Soft Woods Lumber Dispute (1982) between the US and Canada which acknowledged the proprietary rights of Indigenous Peoples over territories and resources in the international trade tribunals. Recognizing this fact, the World Bank has restructured its procedures, protocols and practices regarding Indigenous Peoples and the right of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent under the Environmental and Social Standard 7 to shield its interests.



There can be no approval of USMCA without recognition, respect, and effective mechanisms for the protection of the internationally recognized Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the trade zone encompassing the three countries, specifically the right of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). Consultation is not consent.



Without the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples, as Peoples equal to all other peoples, there can be no legitimate approval of the USMCA.



“The Indigenous peoples of the Americas possess the underlying and inalienable title to their lands. Failure by settler governments to recognize that title within USMCA is a violation of Indigenous rights and the principle of “free, prior and informed consent” enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. As a legal violation that infringes on the property rights of Indigenous peoples, this failure by settler governments creates a massive risk to the financial interests that rely on the tripartite agreement. Businesses cannot hide behind USMCA and disregard the rights of Indigenous peoples. Every investor, every corporation, every entity with a financial interest that crosses the borders between Mexico, the United States and Canada, must account for this risk when they operate on Indigenous lands. Failure to account for the risks associated with Indigenous title will result in faulty, and possibly fraudulent, valuations.”

Dr. DT Cochrane, Economist





With representation of Indigenous Peoples from Mexico-US-Canada organized under the Indigenous Network on Economies and Trade (INET), we offer to engage with willing members of Congress to bring such a proposed hearing to effect.



Please contact me at your earliest convenience to clarify the position of the USMCA Working Group regarding the issues we have raised in this intervention.






Tupac Enrique Acosta TONATIERRA



Free Prior and Informed Consent FPIC

All Peoples have the right to self-determination. It is a fundamental principle in international law, embodied in the Charter of the United Nations and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.


The standard, Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), as well as Indigenous Peoples’ rights to lands, territories and natural resources are embedded within the universal right to self- determination. The normative framework for FPIC consists of a series of international legal instruments including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the International Labour Organization Convention 169 (ILO 169), and the Convention on Diversity (CBD), among many others.

FPIC is a specific right that pertains to Indigenous Peoples and is recognized in the UNDRIP. It allows them to give or withhold consent to a project that may affect them or their territories. Once they have given their consent, they can withdraw it at any stage. Furthermore, FPIC enables them to negotiate the conditions under which the project will be designed, implemented, monitored and evaluated.


Consultation is not consent.

Sunday, April 28, 2019

UNPFII 2019 Haudenosaunee Statement: Treaties, Protocol and Relevant Issues


United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)
18th Session, 22 April – 3 May, 2019

Item 11:  Human rights. Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
 

UNPFII 2019 Haudenosaunee Statement:
Treaties, Protocol and Relevant Issues

DOWNLOAD PDF


Nya weñha Skanoh - Greetings,

To all our Indigenous delegations; to the distinguished members of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues,

Madame Chair:

Congratulations and thank you for excepting leadership and the responsibilities of the 18th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The Haudenosaunee stands in support of your work in the coming year.

We thank Ms. Vicki Corpus Special Rapporteur for your many years of service for Indigenous Peoples we ask you to monitor development of Canada’s proposal to indigenous nations for “New Treaties”.

The legislative framework proposal: Canada’s collaborative self-government fiscal policy has drawn strong reaction from indigenous nations territories and communities across Canada. The UNDRIP articles in particular the right to self- determination, free prior and informed consent and articles 26, 1, 2, and 3 regarding lands territories and resources are our immediate concerns. We have treaties of peace and friendship with the French, the British and the United States of America.

Canada became the successor state of Great Britain and therefore is obligated under International Treaty Law to recognize and uphold those treaties made between Great Britain and Haudenosaunee (Six Nations). Many treaties were made between entities in North America that included the Haudenosaunee. Treaties between Indigenous Nations and States must be recognized within the context of the times as valid and in force.
 

So, we are concerned with Canada’s new suite of legislation that would relegate Indigenous Nations and peoples to a third or fourth order of government. Lower orders of government do not sign Treaties.

Agreements with entities created under Canada’s Indian Act cannot replace the nation to nation relationship between the Haudenosaunee and the Crown.

Adding the words “Modern Day Treaties” to a process of extinguishment of Indigenous land rights in the 21st Century does not legitimize a felony.

Past centuries of land thefts of Indigenous territories pale in comparison to this proposal. We bring our issues before you with deep concerns for our coming generations and the survival issue they will face.
 

Human migration caused by global warming is underway as we speak. Climate change will intensify as powerful oil corporations intensify oil extraction with a process called “Hydro fracking”, this process has already affected Indigenous territories in Canada and the USA.

We perceive a relationship between “Hydro Fracking” and the termination of Indigenous titles to the land. Further, there seem to be no regard or concern by these corporate leaders for the future of their very own children.

We raised the issue of survival of the human species nineteen years ago in these very halls with our warning, that the “Ice is melting”.

If we can address climate change in a positive way with traditional Indigenous principles and values our species may have a chance for survival. Ms. Corpus, as Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Issues, we ask you to monitor, examine and issue a report on Canada’s collaborative self-government fiscal policy.

Thank you.

Dahnato, (Now I am finished)

Oren Lyons, Wolf Clan Onondaga Nation
Haudenosaunee External Relations Committee