After detaining Indigenous leader Alberto Pizango upon his arrival at the Lima airport, Peruvian officials released him on his own recognizance. Public pressure from world citizens surely influenced this decision, which sets the stage for more respectful negotiations between Indigenous Peoples in Peru and the government.
If you have not yet sent a message, please do so. It is very important for the Peruvian government to know that the world is watching. See our action alert here.
To read Alberto Pizango’s declaration upon his return to Peru, see the text below, and click HERE for Spanish.
PUBLIC DECLARATION TO PERU AND THE WORLD
ALBERTO PIZANGO
REASONS I WENT INTO EXILE
In 2008 and 2009, we Amazonian indigenous peoples MOBILIZED OURSELVES DEMANDING the derogation of the legislative decrees issued by Alan Garcia. We denounced the violation of our right to be consulted, as established in Convention 169 of the ILO. As part of these collective efforts of our peoples, we were able to win the derogation of the four legislative decrees (1015, 1073, 1064 and 1090) that we considered to be the most dangerous because they threatened our territorial rights.
One reason we mobilized was that the government did not consult us in the moment that it approved 102 legislative decrees necessary for the implementation of the FTA with the United States. 13 of the decrees were seriously threatening to the collective rights of the Amazonian peoples, such as the right to a dignified life, to territory, to environment, among others.
With the approval of the Law of the Right to Consultation of Indigenous and First Peoples, the national government has recognized the legitimacy of our struggle and HAS SHOWN WE WERE RIGHT about the existence of our right to be consulted. Even though passing this norm is a small advance, we have as an immediate task to work on the weaknesses the law still contains and to make the pertinent recommendations.
Indigenous peoples not only struggle for our own rights, but also for the defense of the life of all humanity and the protection of the Planet Earth, which is being damaged by the voracity of transnational corporations that give off toxic gasses, the causes of which originate in Northern countries and their neoliberal model.
Initially I was the object of persecution on the part of the Executive power. Thinking about saving the lives of my brothers and sisters, who could have reacted with indignation in the event of my detention, and also fearing for my own life, I decided to seek asylum which was generously provided by the Nicaraguan people to whom I am infinitely grateful.
I have returned to my home country of Peru, not only to face the law and demonstrate that I am innocent of the charges made against me, but also to contribute to the necessary reconciliation between Peruvians, when we are recognized as peoples and treated as equal citizens.
Additionally, I would like to indicate that I profoundly regret the loss of each of the lives of my police and indigenous brothers. I’d like to take advantage of this opportunity to express to all of those who lost loved ones my most sincere condolences. I demand an exhaustive and impartial investigation into the facts of what happened in Bagua.
Finally, I say that if we are searching for social peace between all Peruvians of good faith, it is necessary to redouble our efforts and willingness, assuming as a foundation the construction of an inter-cultural and democratic Peru.
Long live the life and sovereignty of the Peruvian peoples and the world
ALBERTO PIZANGO CHOTA
PRESIDENT OF AIDESEP
