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On 14 June 2016 the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (UNPO) organised a conference in the European Parliament in Brussels under the title of: “Prospects for Minority Rights in South East Asia: Towards Regional Cooperation?”, which was hosted by MEP and former Foreign Minister of Estonia, Mr Urmas Paet. FUEN advisor Frank de Boer attended this conference on behalf of FUEN.
Mr Urmas Paet made an introduction into the topic, stressing that diversity is not always embraced. He stressed the need to put the issue of minority and indigenous rights on top of the political agenda. South East Asia has a tradition of non-interference into the affairs of other states. Within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) the countries of the region should strengthen their cooperation and work together to solve crises.
The first panel of the day looked at the promising developments and policies undertaken towards indigenous peoples in Taiwan under the new government. According to Dr Jolan Hsieh, Taiwan established a new system of minority protection, including an elaborate legal framework for self-governance and land rights for the 16 indigenous peoples (which make up 2,23 % of the total population, which consists mainly of Han-Chinese). The Taiwanese example may have positive effects on other countries in the region.
The second panel was devoted to the situation of four minorities that find themselves in a problematic situation. Mr Gymbay Moua (Hmong People) highlighted the devastating effects of illegal logging, land-grabbing and systematic persecution of the Hmong in Laos, including with chemical attacks on the community. Mr Chum Chuon Son (Khmer Krom) elaborated on the grave injustices and cultural and linguistic suppression of Khmer Krom in Vietnam. Member of the Bangladeshi Parliament, Mr Ushatan Talukder gave an overview of the effects of the non-implementation of the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, in which he had a major role and which was about transferring competences from the government to the region. The final speaker was Mr Ariffadhillah (Aceh-Sumatra National Liberation Front) presenting the struggle for self-determination of the people of Aceh, who continue to face human rights violations, also after the 2005 Agreement.
The closing session drew parallels between the situation of minority and indigenous rights in South East Asia compared with those in the European Union. According to Mr Csaba Sógor MEP, the EU is not in the position to be a model. It might be a source of inspiration for South East Asia, taking over the good things, but not the bad. Also in Europe minority protection is by no means perfect, but in need of continuous attention.
The bottom line of the conference was that there is a need for strengthened cooperation and sharing of experiences between different indigenous and minority groups in South East Asia, and between regional bodies such as the European Union and ASEAN.
More information:
Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization
