Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee
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Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC) is a network of 150 indigenous peoples’ organizations in 20 African countries. IPACC is accredited with the UN Economic and Social Council, the UN Environment Programme, the Global Environment Facility, UNESCO and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights.[1]
Contents
Goals and Mission Statement
- "IPACC’s main aims include:
- Promote recognition of and respect for indigenous peoples in Africa;
- Promote participation of indigenous African peoples in United Nations’ events and other international forums;
- Strengthen leadership and organisational capacity of indigenous civil society in Africa in particular strengthening subregional networks of indigenous peoples;
- "IPACC’s view is that all peoples in Africa should be able to contribute to the economy and governance of our countries. There was a time when indigenous peoples were respected for their advanced spiritual and technical knowledge of the forests, savannah and deserts. Indigenous peoples are still often sought out as healers, trackers, rainmakers and animal behaviourists. However, due to their marginalisation under colonialism, indigenous peoples are sometimes ignored by African states or are seen as anachronistic and ‘backwards’. The cultures and economies of many indigenous peoples are at risk due to policies and practices that do not take their needs and knowledge into account.
- "The impact of globalisation of communications and economies means that the activities of multinational companies are reaching deep into remote areas of Africa. Globalisation comes in the form of uranium or diamond mining, logging, agriculture or oil exploration. Where indigenous peoples are not part of national development planning, they can become victims of major environmental changes which destroy their livelihoods and cultures.
- "Even conservation of the environment can cause unnecessary displacement and marginalisation of indigenous peoples. Numerous African national parks have caused the expulsion of indigenous peoples and then not offered them opportunities to assist in conservation activities.
- "It is through strengthening representative organisations and leadership that indigenous peoples will be able to speak directly to governments."[1]
