UNPFII's Engagement with Community Seque Jahuira, an Indigenous Peoples' Organization, Originario Campesinos Qhana Pukara Kurmi
Eloise Qhaqhaha, Representative of Indigenous Qhana Pukara Kurmi Community, Seque Jahuira, Bolivia (April 2025)
Hey there, esteemed UN officials and Indigenous comrades gathered here, we're sending you a heartfelt salutation from the Indigenous communities of Bolivia.
I go by Pastor Carvajal, an Aymara Indigenous man, and a traditional leader of my community, Seque Jahuira, residing in the La Paz department of Bolivia. Over the past decade, our lands have been swarmed by 23 predatory mining companies who have been wreaking havoc, extracting minerals and discarding over 100 tons of waste daily. These mining giants use dangerous chemicals like cyanide, mercury, arsenic, sulfuric acid, and more, causing devastating consequences for our community and the environment.
Our water sources, pastures, and productive lands have become breeding grounds for pollution, resulting in the deaths of our livestock and making us unwilling refugees. The consumption of contaminated water has led to severe health issues among our people.
Despite numerous complaints to the appropriate authorities, our pleas have fallen on deaf ears, leading to a volatile climate with the miners who verbally and physically attack us. These catalysts are pumped into a local river that ultimately drains into Lake Titicaca—the world's highest and largest lake, which serves as the cornerstone of life on this planet for many Indigenous cultures.
Unfortunately, the Bolivian government has disregarded our Indigenous rights by dishing out operating and environmental licenses without complying with Article 19 and 32 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. These articles guarantee our right to self-determination, autonomy, and self-governance, and mandate that states obtain our free, prior, and informed consent before approving projects that affect our lands and resources.
The state has chosen to remain indifferent, and in doing so, they have fostered a dark atmosphere for the miners to treat us like second-class citizens. We have endured defamation, threats, and physical aggression on four separate occasions.
This unjust situation must be mitigated. Our important cultural heritage and lands, sacred to our ancestors, have been transformed into battlegrounds instead of sanctuaries. When we strive to protect these sites, we are criminalized, silenced, or punished, violating Article 8 of the UN Declaration.
Dear esteemed members of the Permanent Forum of the United Nations on Indigenous Issues:
- Demand Action from BoliviaWe implore the Plurinational State of Bolivia to urgently and fully comply with the articles of the UN Declaration already incorporated into its Constitution.
- Promote Sustainable DevelopmentWhile acknowledging the potential benefits of development projects, states should prioritize development models that respect the human and territorial rights of Indigenous Peoples, rather than ruthlessly exploiting our lands in the name of progress.
- Ensure FPIC is RespectedBolivia must assure the respect and adherence to Articles 19 and 32, explicitly requiring free, prior, and informed consent before embarking on projects that impact our lands and natural resources in accordance with international standards.
- Seek Enforcement MechanismsWe humbly request the Permanent Forum to develop mechanisms for the effective enforcement and constant monitoring of its recommendations to Bolivia.
Indigenous communities are weary of empty promises; what we yearn for is justice, a chance to thrive and continue our age-old traditions.
Let's Hear it for the Indigenous Peoples of the World!
Steps for Addressing Violations
1. Investigate the Allegations
Investigate the specific claims made by the Seque Jahuira Community to determine if their right to free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) was respected in mining projects affecting their community.
2. Dialogue with Indigenous Leaders
Facilitate conversations with Seque Jahuira community leaders and other relevant stakeholders, such as government agencies and mining companies, to help understand the severity of the violations and the community's concerns.
3. Collaborate with UN Agencies
Partner with UN agencies like the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the UN Environment Programme to leverage their expertise and resources to tackle human rights and environmental issues related to mining.
4. Develop Recommendations
Based on findings, develop concrete recommendations for Bolivia and mining companies to ensure FPIC is respected in future projects, such as policy modifications or legal reforms to safeguard Indigenous rights.
5. Advocate for Change
Raise awareness about the importance of FPIC and the rights of Indigenous peoples through public statements, reports, and advocacy efforts aimed at governments and international organizations.
6. Build Capacity
Support capacity-building initiatives for Indigenous communities, enabling them to negotiate and protect their rights more effectively in the context of mining projects.
7. Monitor Progress
Continuously monitor the implementation of the recommendations made by the Permanent Forum, and remain an unwavering voice for Indigenous peoples like the Seque Jahuira Community.
By taking these steps, the Permanent Forum can address the violations of Article 32 and advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples in Bolivia and beyond.
- In the context of the ongoing violations of Indigenous rights in Bolivia, specifically the Seque Jahuira Community's concern about mining projects, the Permanent Forum of the United Nations on Indigenous Issues should investigate the allegations to determine if the right to free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) was respected.
- To better understand the severity of the violations and the community's concerns, the Permanent Forum should facilitate dialogues with Seque Jahuira community leaders and relevant stakeholders, such as government agencies and mining companies.
