The Sixth Summit of the Americas taking place in Cartagena, Colombia on April 14-15, 2012. Indigenous groups are asking for a specific chapter in the Summit's declaration that addresses matters which concerns them.
The Summits of the Americas are institutionalized gatherings of the heads of state and government of the Western Hemisphere where leaders discuss common policy issues, affirm shared values and commit to concerted actions at the national and regional level to address continuing and new challenges faced in the Americas.
Indigenous Peoples of Colombia and other countries of the hemisphere will ask the government leaders of the 34 countries participating in the Sixth Summit of the Americas, to include in their final declaration a section on issues such as: Indigenous Peoples' rights to consultation, acceptance of special Indigenous jurisdiction, respect for traditional medicine, and the implementation of an economic model which is in harmony with nature, among others.
Representatives of Indigenous communities in Colombia are emphasizing the need to adopt best practices and strategies that protect the environment, especially in reference to extractive industries that exploit natural resources. Even if companies are implementing social responsibility programs they should not neglect the betterment of these projects regarding environmental issues.
During the Forum of Indigenous Peoples in Bogotá, a preparatory meeting to the Summit, participants from different regions of Colombia and Peru requested that the final declaration of the Sixth Summit of the Americas "gives Indigenous communities the position they deserve." "We request respectfully, that a section mentioning respect and acceptance for our autonomy; for special Indigenous jurisdiction, in recognition of our knowledge; and, for our traditions, as an integral part to our America, is included in the final declaration of the VI Summit.” Manuel Jesus Cuaspa stated, representing the Indigenous Authorities of Colombia, (AICO).
