Warning from special envoy Alexandra of indigenous populations to the dominant Lao ethnic group and the forced relocation of villages in the name of development.
Vientiane (/Agencies) – The UN is putting pressure on the Laotian regime on cultural rights and the protection of diversity in a country with 49 ethnic minority groups that together represent 47% of the population. While recognizing Vientiane’s commitment to legally guarantee its rights, the United Nations points out failures in protecting the variety and validity of different traditions.
At the conclusion of a ten-day visit to the Asian country, the UN special envoy for cultural rights, Greek economist Alexandra Xanthaki, issued a statement summarizing her experience, which forms the basis for the report she will present to the Rights Council. UN Human Rights. “I recognize Laos’ renewed commitment to all human rights,” he explains. However, despite what the legislation of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic establishes on cultural rights, “concern remains about policies that seek to assimilate ethnic and indigenous minorities into the dominant Lao group, as well as the folklorization of culture for tourism purposes.” “While local legislation recognizes cultural rights – continues Xanthaki -, the inclusive development and prosperity of Laos, built by the people and for the people, can only be realized if everyone feels free to preserve the ways of life they have chosen and contribute to development with their own visions and priorities.
The UN envoy also stressed the need for the Vientiane government not to sacrifice cultural variety and cultural rights to economic development and state unity, which “carries out a policy of widespread village relocation in the name of development.” “, without there being adequate information and consent of those who will be affected and a fair agreement on compensation.
This situation derives in part from the lack of recognition of the existence of minority and indigenous groups in conditions of marginalization. And such refusal “implies denying the international standard protection appropriate to their specific condition.”
“The lack of discrimination – noted the UN expert – does not mean uniformity but rather implementing measures that guarantee cultural practices and perspectives (of the different minority groups) and allowing them to contribute to society.”
Regarding the poverty reduction plan, Xanthakis also highlighted the official commitment to reduce poverty and promote development, but at the same time pointed out that the only socio-economic perspective implemented remains inadequate, because serious policies on human rights are lacking. and adequate compensation for the losses of those who suffer the impact of development projects. It is also the task of economic partners and international organizations to consider these aspects. The situation that has become evident during the visit and meetings with government officials, UN agencies and their local partners, and with the population of villages in various locations in the country has led the United Nations special envoy to the conviction that “the proposed official narrative that the entire population understands and agrees with development projects is not realistic.”
Photo: Pixabay / brinwadd
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