The Central American Parliament (PARLACEN) called for strengthening the inclusion, protection of rights, and participation of indigenous peoples, highlighting the importance of promoting ethical and responsible technologies in the framework of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
The statement, issued by the Commission on Indigenous and Afro-descendant Peoples of the body, recognizes the invaluable contribution of indigenous peoples to cultural diversity, the preservation of ancestral languages, and the transmission of traditional knowledge.
According to the statement, cultural diversity and the knowledge of indigenous peoples constitute a heritage for humanity. The Central American Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to the defense of the human rights of indigenous peoples, the recognition of their dignity and identity, and the eradication of any form of discrimination and racism.
Furthermore, it urged the member states of the Central American Integration System (SICA), as well as academic institutions, the private sector, and international cooperation, to strengthen initiatives that promote sustainable development with cultural identity.
Parlacen called for strengthening indigenous rights and inclusion in Central America, but left a key focus on technology (Photo courtesy of Guatemalan News Agency).
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The Commission highlighted the value of international instruments that support the collective and individual rights of indigenous peoples. Among them, it mentioned the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous and Afro-descendant Peoples of Central America, the Isthmus, and the Islands, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 169. These texts, according to PARLACEN, establish safeguards that ensure social peace and legal certainty for communities, including Afro-descendant peoples.
In the context of digital transformation, the Central American Parliament recognized the potential of artificial intelligence for the preservation, documentation, and revitalization of indigenous languages, as well as for the protection and transmission of ancestral knowledge. The organization recommended promoting technologies developed with the active participation of indigenous peoples, ensuring an ethical and responsible use that respects their rights, identity, and cultural heritage.
Concern for the Garifuna community
Ofraneh denounces an escalation of violence, persecution, and threats against Garifuna leaders following the non-compliance with Inter-American Court of Human Rights rulings.
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The statement also expressed concern regarding recent challenges affecting communities such as the Garifuna people in Honduras. In that sense, the PARLACEN urged national authorities to establish mechanisms for peaceful and inclusive dialogue that respond to the legitimate demands and rights of the communities, under the strict framework of respect for human rights and international commitments.
During this commemoration, the Central American Parliament reiterated its commitment to continue promoting initiatives, agreements, and spaces for dialogue that strengthen inclusion, respect for cultural diversity, and the integral development of indigenous peoples. According to the statement, the participation of these peoples is essential to consolidate a Central American integration based on dignity, justice, democracy, and respect for human rights.
The communities of Vallecito, Triunfo de la Cruz, Punta Piedra, San Juan, and Cayos Cochinos formalize the Committee for Garifuna rights in Honduras.
The declaration concluded that the cultural diversity, languages, and ancestral knowledge of indigenous peoples constitute an essential foundation for a more inclusive, supportive, and respectful Central America regarding the dignity of its peoples. The document was issued at the headquarters in Guatemala this August 9, the official statement details.
