Topic: Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Country: Chile
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Chile position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
Throughout global history, indigenous people have been consistently marginalized. As a result of the colonialist mindset, native peoples are perpetually ostracized. The Republic of Chile has eight main groups of Indigenous Peoples, the largest of which being the Mapuche. According to a 2012 census, 11.3% of Chilean citizens self-identify as indigenous. Notwithstanding the countless affronts to indigenous cultures and practices during the colonization process, the injury to native peoples is immense. Their identities are continually undermined. Their traditions are either appropriated or shunned by the dominant ethnic group. When indigenous peoples choose not to conform to this dominant culture, they are detested. This leads to deep-set rage within the indigenous community. The Chilean government does not place any restrictions upon cultural celebrations, events, or traditions. The Republic of Chile firmly believes in the importance of a secure, resilient democracy. For many years, the people of Chile fought to escape the dictatorial regime of former Military General Augusto Pinochet. Therefore, it is recognized that maintenance of a strong democratic republic is vital to the stability of a nation. In order to form such a government, all citizens of a nation must take an active role in the political processes. In the case of Chile, it is particularly crucial that indigenous people participate. To date, there have been no members of Chilean legislature who have identified as being of indigenous descent. Representation within government is necessary to create a more equitable and unbiased system. Chile strongly supports incorporating more diversity of cultural background into legislative bodies. To date, Chile has employed numerous methods to strengthen the bond between indigenous groups and the government. Chile works to support education surrounding indigenous culture, in order to improve relations. In 1993, with the restoration of democracy within the Chilean government, the Indigenous Law was established. This formally recognized the Mapuche, Aymaras, Atacameñas, Collas, Quechuas, Rapa-Nui, Yámanas, and the Kawashkars. In 2006, the Diaguita people were also recognized. In addition to the introduction of Indigenous Law, the Ministry of Social Development employed a process to communicate the requirements and requests of indigenous groups. This system was designated Indigenous Constituents Assembly. Additionally, an organization known as The National Corporation for Indigenous Development, or Corporación Nacional de Desarrollo Indígena (CONDI) was also formed in 1993. In 2005, CONDI restored approximately 173,000 acres of land to the Aymara people. Even with the introduction of such measures, the Chilean government and indigenous groups have experienced some tension. In the late 1990s, there was controversy surrounding the development of the Ralco Power Plant on what the Mapuche people considered to be sacred land. This was resolved, however, in 2004, when compensations were paid to the Mapuche people. In 2009, there was a series of violent incidents against multiple groups of indigenous people. Defending indigenous lands and timber rights against corporate intrusion in southern Chile in the first decade of the 21st Century was one significant struggle the Mapuche faced. Furthermore, a number of Mapuche activists were imprisoned, which led to hunger strikes and marches in the following years. Furthermore, the Mapuche people have been suspected of acts of terrorism. A Mapuche group known as the Coordinadora Arauco Malleco (CAM) were mainly accused of these such acts. CAM states that it is committed to reclaiming indigenous lands, but does through malicious tactics. There have been many incidents of Mapuche activists inciting violence, resulting in the imprisonment of some Mapuche leaders. Still, the acts of a small faction should not define an entire group of people. Chile respects and values the contributions indigenous culture brings to society. However, the level of conflict incited by indigenous groups is destructive to the nation. For the purposes of constructing and maintaining a functional and cohesive nation, an equilibrium must be struck between celebrating diverse cultures and acting as a unified people. On the one hand, indigenous people and culture must be legitimized. Their cultures and traditions must be recognized, and they must be privy to all the rights and privileges afforded to citizens that belong to the dominant culture. If indigenous peoples continue to be marginalized, the tensions will only intensify. On the other, a nation divided will not be able to withstand the adversities it will come to face. Taking all of these factors into consideration, Chile endorses the integration of indigenous people into the dominant culture, yet at the same time continues to recognize indigenous cultures. We strongly believe that recognition of the indigenous should not be employed as a method of dichotomizing a nation, which taken to an more extreme conclusion could result in conflict and ultimately bloodshed. The Republic of Chile is eager to cooperate with fellow delegations in order to balance the autonomy of indigenous peoples with the legitimate interest of the nations to which they are citizens of.
https://www.iwgia.org/en/chile https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples.html https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf https://www.weftun.org/ https://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78884.htm https://www.un.org/press/en/2016/hr5297.doc.htm
