Topic: Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Country: Guatemala
Delegate Name: Hannah Willit
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Guatemala position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
Before the arrival of Spanish conquerors in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, large societies developed up and down the South American continent. After the arrival of European colonizing powers and the subsequent denigration of these peoples, the balance of power was skewed heavily in the favor of the white rulers. This distorted arrangement of representation away from the indigenous majority and toward the wealthy European elite has left residues which still exists today. People of indigenous descent disproportionally face homelessness and joblessness at a rate dozens of times higher than their peers of European descent. Indigenous people are disenfranchised en mass, and robbed time and time again of their right to own land. This inequity pervades throughout nearly all of South and Latin America, and exists in large part across the world. A vast and notable 50.1% of Guatemala’s population consists of people of direct Mayan heritage. Of this group, there are dozens of distinct languages and associated cultures. It is because Guatemala is such a unique mix of rich cultures that they have such an interest in their protection and preservation. Although we strive toward this goal every day, 79% of indigenous people live in poverty. The storied cultures and traditions of indigenous people are just now becoming a celebrated part of Guatemalan identity, as we work to provide equal opportunities for all. Guatemala believes that indigenous cultures should be preserved and protected. Indigenous people should have access to their own land. We support a resolution prohibiting the theft of traditional lands from indigenous peoples and ensuring access to basic rights such as equal and attainable suffrage.
