2009 Annual Report
A Collective Vision of Economic Justice
Colombia’s 1991 Constitution enshrines the collective rights of indigenous and afro-Colombian communities to land and territory. The presence of armed actors, however, often prevents communities from exercising these rights. In addition, their resource-rich lands are coveted by the Colombian government, armed actors, and multinational companies. Sixty-five percent of the mining concessions granted in Colombia, many to Canadian companies, are located on ancestral lands. While the Constitution and international treaties signed by Colombia decree that indigenous people and afro-Colombians must be consulted prior to the exploration or exploitation of resources on their land, this rarely happens. The lack of consultation and respect for local decision-making jeopardizes the communities’ autonomy and control over their resources.
In 2009, the Process of Black Communities (PCN) and the National Indigenous Organization of Colombia (ONIC) raised concerns with the Canadian government while Parliament was debating legislation for a new trade agreement with Colombia. In letters to Canadian parliamentarians, ONIC, PCN, and others expressed fears that increased investment in or near their territories would have serious negative impacts given this context. They urged Canadian decision-makers to ensure that strong regulations and consultations with rural people be mandatory for Canadian companies operating in Colombia.
Over the last two years, Inter Pares facilitated a research project on Canadian companies operating resource extraction projects in Colombia and the human rights risks inherent in their activities. The report concluded that there is a high risk that companies may inadvertently benefit from human rights violations, or that those responsible for human rights violations may benefit from the investment. This report was presented in 2009 to Canadian parliamentarians to assist in framing the deliberations about the Canada-Colombia trade agreement.
Indigenous people and afro-Colombian communities are asserting their right to protect their territories and decide how to use their resources. This is often misinterpreted as backward. In fact, they are asserting their collective vision of economic justice based on a diversity of considerations: environmental sustainability, respect for their traditions and livelihoods, and maintaining control over their own resources.
Download Inter Pares’ report on Canadian extractive industry investment in Colombia, Land and Conflict.
| Reviewed April 27, 2010 |  |
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