Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Decolonization
Adel Bashqawi
July 21, 2024
Introduction
Every nation must understand its intrinsic connection to its homeland, encompassing its status, national identity, and its ties to the land, language, culture, past, present, and future. The Circassian nation, in particular, has been characterized by names and titles reflecting its national unity and identity. These components, despite their diversity, symbolize a singular people and nation. What unites the Circassians, creating harmony and compatibility, far outweighs what might divide them. The Circassians are among the foremost indigenous peoples whose origins and ethnic roots lie in the northwest Caucasus. Their historical homeland, where the Circassian nation has thrived for over six thousand years, holds deep connections with ancient civilizations, fostering cultural communication and economic, commercial, and other activities.
Axioms
In his book “This is my nation, a Circassian speaks about his people,” Circassian writer Rasem Rushdi states: “When it comes to the history of Circassians, we are talking about one of the brightest pages of human history, as well as one of the most miserable and wretched. Since the sixteenth century, the Circassians have written the pages of their history with their own blood in defending the freedom of (their homeland) and the integrity of their beliefs. This is not what saddens us, but it pains us most that we were forced to leave our country … We were mentioned in the books of ancient Greek historians, such as Herodotus, Strabo, and Seleucus. They called the Circassians by different names, such as Sarkis, Karkat, and Karkas. Some historians of Byzantium also used to call the country of the Circassians (Kazadekhia), and perhaps this last word is derived from the word (Caucasus). Al-Bustani mentioned in the Encyclopedia, Part 1, p. 440, that medieval historians used to mention them by the name (Cyrax), and all of these historians praised the civility of the ancient Circassians and their good qualities, to the point that Homer, the ancient Greek historian and poet, made their country a “scene” for his famous Iliad, just as the legends of the ancient Greeks narrate that god (of fire) Prometheus was exiled to the Caucasus and arrested there.” [1]
Throughout history, the Circassian nation has engaged with multiple civilizations, establishing relationships and ties akin to civilizational dialogues and interactions with the Hittites, ancient Greeks, Venetians, Genoese, the Byzantine Empire, and others. The Circassians were among the first to participate in the Olympic Games from their inception in Olympia, Greece, in the eighth century BC. The Circassians are known for their good morals and honesty. It is essential to recognize the organic interdependence among the peoples and nations of the Caucasus. The Russian Empire’s invasion and occupation of their homelands, resulting in genocide and displacement, exemplifies a shared struggle against a common adversary.
“Circassians managed to establish good relationships and trade links with Ancient Greece, Venice, Genoa, and others. They also had good relationships with the Byzantine Empire, at a time, they had embraced Christianity centuries before the Russians did so. They had their own Circassian Church, which was independent from Constantinople.” [2]
Indigenous Populations’ Identity
As defined by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples, “based on the rationale that the identification of an indigenous people is the right of the people itself—the right of self-identification and a fundamental element of the right to self-determination. Indigenous peoples’ situations and contexts are highly variable; any single definition will not fully capture the full diversity of the Indigenous Peoples of the world. In fact, its articles 9 and 33 state that Indigenous Peoples and individuals have the right to belong to an indigenous community or nation, in accordance with the traditions and customs of the community or nation concerned, and that they have the right to determine their own identity”. [3]
Displacement, Conflict, and Reprisals Against Indigenous Populations
This has resulted in the displacement of millions of Indigenous Peoples, causing conflicts and a sharp increase in attacks, killings, and criminalization of Indigenous Peoples, including increasing threats and assassinations of human rights defenders. This also includes harassment and reprisals against indigenous representatives, especially those participating in UN forums. These challenges necessitate reinvigorated efforts to address the negative legacy of historical injustices, discrimination, and assimilation that Indigenous Peoples have been subjected to over centuries.
Threats to Land and Resources
Indigenous peoples continue to face threats to their land rights from natural resource extraction, infrastructure projects, large-scale agriculture, and conservation efforts. In some instances, there is a heightened risk of statelessness, particularly for Indigenous Peoples whose traditional lands cross national borders.
Participation of Indigenous Peoples at the UN
The rights of Indigenous Peoples have progressively received more attention from the UN system. Yet, Indigenous Peoples continue to be left behind and suffer disproportionately from climate change, environmental degradation, high levels of poverty, poor access to education, health, and broader human rights violations.
In an unprecedented move on 8 September 2017, the General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/71/321, entitled “Enhancing the Participation of Indigenous Peoples’ Representatives and Institutions in Meetings of Relevant United Nations Bodies on Issues Affecting Them.” This resolution resulted from a process that began with a commitment by Member States during the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples in 2014 to consider the participation of Indigenous Peoples at the United Nations. The process continues based on decisions made by the General Assembly. This achievement provides analysis and concrete recommendations on measures necessary to enable the participation of Indigenous Peoples’ representatives and institutions in meetings of relevant United Nations bodies. [4]
Decolonization
“Decolonization should always be grounded in an Indigenous framework, not a colonial one. A note for settlers, like myself, it is of utmost importance that when thinking about decolonization, the actions you engage in are not simply the ones outlined by the settler state. In order to stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples, decolonization must come from a place of centring Indigenous views of what decolonization should or could look like. Regarding interaction, if you find yourself in a circumstance where you are positioned in life next to someone who carries harmful, racist, or settler views, it is your choice to remain around them or not, speak up or not. As our systems in this society are built on a colonial foundation, it is almost inevitable that there are going to be people in proximity who hold harmful and discriminatory beliefs, explicit or implicit.” [5]
Conclusion
In conclusion, a decolonization solution must be intrinsically linked to the rights of indigenous peoples, in accordance with international laws and norms. It is imperative to end the colonization of indigenous peoples whose homelands have been occupied by colonial powers, which have committed crimes of murder, genocide, and ethnic cleansing against their populations. These acts have stripped indigenous peoples of their human rights without remorse or guilt.
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” – Martin Luther King Jr. [6]
References:
[1] https://www.4shared.com/office/DCamFfUB/____-__.html
[2] https://justicefornorthcaucasus.info/?p=1251682814
[3] https://www.ohchr.org/en/indigenous-peoples/about-indigenous-peoples-and-human-rights
[4] https://www.ohchr.org/en/indigenous-peoples/about-indigenous-peoples-and-human-rights
[5] https://www.theindigenousfoundation.org/articles/decolonization-in-everyday-life
[6] https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/martin_luther_king_jr_103571
