And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
From: "Action Resource Center" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: UN Report on Religious Intolerance, Please distribute to all
Indigenous People in US
Date: Thu, 25 Mar 1999 17:29:13 -0800
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Please contact Action Resource Center with any questions or comments:
[EMAIL PROTECTED] or contact (310) 396-3254 for Los Angeles Action
Resource Center, Kim Mizrahi or Jennafer Waggoner
United Nations Report on Religious Intolerance � 55th session
This is the URL web address for the report:
http://www.unhchr.ch/Huridocda/Huridoca.nsf/0811fcbd0b9f6bd58025667300306dea
/3129ccf9f586f71680256739003494e4?OpenDocument#IC
We are contacting you because you are either one of many people mentioned in
a Special Report on Religious Intolerance in the United States by Mr.
Abdelfattah Amor or you are a Indigenous Group that may have concerns about
the implications this report has. We would like for you to read this United
Nations Report and to please respond. We have several reasons why we think
everyone should have a response to this letter. Whatever you decide your
response will be, please e-mail us a copy
We believe this report should be publicly criticized because:
1. There is no recommendation for citation of the United States for
Religious Intolerance on any of the cases mentioned. Many of you have
suffered horrible indignities at the hands of the US Governments, though
they may be mentioned, this report does not damage the US Government�s
credibility. No accusations are brought forth �A slap in all of our faces�
2. Other Reasons include:
Some issues are made out to be intertribal disputes, when there is evidence
to the contrary.
Particular problems with the BIA are not mentioned.
Particular episodes with the US government, i.e. specific incidences of
violence against us for valid cases of religious intolerance are not
outlined in detail. No resolution or action recommended.
Corporations in collusion with the US government to take away natural
resources without regard to religious tolerance are not mentioned.
Land Based Religion is not mentioned or defined, basis for existence not
mentioned.
There are very important statements that are made by this report. One is a
case is brought forward for Native People�s religious expressions in Prison.
The other is the statement that there is no other religious intolerance in
the United States except against Native American People.
There is a little more. So if you want the full report, check out the URL
above. If you want to only look at Section C, which specifically details
Native issues check out this URL
Listed below is a quick reference for the full report. Listed underneath
that is what we have pulled out of the report, that we feel is relevant, so
that you can have a quick reference to the information.
Here we go�
The United Nations Report on Religious Intolerance
Cliff Note Guide!!!
You should read the entire report, obviously to read what Mr. Amor states
about other religions and to what depth he speaks of other groups. We have
outlined, for your speed reading convenience the paragraphs we have found
during our reading that may be of specific interest to you and your cause.
Report number 5. You should pay special attention to the fact that Mr. Amor
feels he has been �hindered� in being able to gather evidence for the
report. In particular he mentions a �series of obstacles�, �various
attempts to interfere and take control of his program�, to undermine his
report.
Legal Situation in the Field of Religion or Belief Section
7-28 is for everyone to read carefully.
31. Of Native American Concerns.
C. Situation of the Native Americans
52-69 Needs to be reviewed by all.
52.
53. Native Americans the community facing the most problematic situation...
54. Ceremonial Rites, Creation Myths.
55. A condensed paragraph on Native American�s Right to Religion
56. American Cases, policy, etc. brief.
57. weaknesses and gaps...
58. �No action clause, needs legal teeth...�
59. Indian Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation. Eagle Feathers, Need for protection of Native
Americans incarcerated...
60. Legal System: mentions Black Hills.
61. Actually almost quotable and usable for our collective purposes.
62. Mentions many tribes and their issues, rather briefly.
63. Mentions Black Mesa. Seems to regard problem as intertribal dispute,
rather than a Government and Corporation collaboration to strip resources
from Indigenous Peoples. Apache Nation.
64. Ceremonial Instruments.
65. Native American Prisoners.
66. Children asked to cut their hair.
67. State Department claims progress for greater protection and autonomy
for indigenous peoples.
68. Policy as �destructive towards Native Americans and biased in favour of
the country�s economic interests. President Clinton�s administration claims
they have Native American�s Interests at heart.
69. Problems with courts and Public Services. Sacred Sites not located on
Native Property.
III. Conclusions and Recommendations
74. As far as tolerance and non-discrimination based on religion or belief
are concerned, the Special Rappateur notes that... �the actual situation in
the United States in the field of Tolerance and Non-Discrimination is in
general satisfactory. There are nevertheless some evident exceptions,
particularly that of Native Americans. (No action specified, no
continuation of protocol for furthering investigations, nothing.)
79. READ THIS. Process of Assimilation as Genocide.
80. read this, very important about Native Legislation, Executive Order on
Indian Sacred Sites lacks �legal teeth�. Actions are needed, tribal
consultations are recommended with tribal governments, but no real action
from the report.
81. Regards incompatibility between state, federal and local laws in regards
to Native Religion.
82. Regards Conflicts in Sacred Sites.
83. Mount Graham Apaches and Black Mesa-Hopi and Dine�Recommendations.
84. Native American Prisoners.
85. More can be done.
86. Education., encouraging a culture of tolerance.
87. Media Campaign for greater sensitivity.
88. The value of interdenominational dialogue.
______________________________________
A C T I O N R E S O U R C E C E N T E R
Box 2104, Venice, CA 90294
310.396.3254 (voice) * 310.392.9965 (fax)
[EMAIL PROTECTED] * http://www.arcweb.org
Mission: To spearhead and support campaigns
that protect the environment, human rights and
social justice; and to provide training and
coordination for grassroots organizing, education
and non-violent direct action.
PGP key available
______________________________________
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Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit)
Unenh onhwa' Awayaton
http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/
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