Tribal leader leads opening prayer at UN session

A PRIVILEGE usually reserved for leaders of the world has been bestowed on a Filipino tribal leader at the opening rites of the Second Session of the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) in Geneva, Switzerland on August 10.

Timuay José “Boy” Anoy, a Subanon Tribal Leader said a Subanon prayer at the opening of the second session asking for wisdom and clarity for all participants as they deliberate on issues.

The tribal elder also prayed for all indigenous peoples from all over the world, for respect and recognition of their rights, as well as reparation for abuses done on them.

Timuay Anoy sprinkled water on the session hall to symbolize clarity of thought and coolness of minds.

The IP elder, together with another Subanon Leader Timuay Noval Lambo and Ifugao representative Peter Duyapat are participating in the five-day session to share their experience on human rights’ violations of large-scale mining companies that operate in their areas.

They are set to propose some recommendations on how to address the violations of large-scale mining companies of their rights to land and self determination, as well as the government’s lack of support to compensate for damages.

The IP leaders are likewise attending the 75th Session of the UN Committee on the Elimination of all forms of racial discrimination (UNCERD) to present a report on the plight of Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines to the committee.

They will also participate in a hearing on the complaint filed against the Philippine government by the Subanon community.

The EMRIP was created by the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) to provide the Council with thematic expertise, studies and research-based advice.

The UN body is composed of five independent, indigenous experts.

One of the current experts is a Filipino Igorot, Mr. José Mencio Molintas.

More than 400 indigenous delegates and their supporters all over the world are participating in the UN session together with the official representatives of governments.