MARGAO
The two-day 10th National Convention organised by Adivasi Samanvay Manch Bharat and GAKUVED Federation of Goa on occasion of International Tribal Rights Day adopted the Goa Declaration which has called for the full and effective enforcement of Protective Legislations, including the Forest Rights Act, 2006, the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas), Act, 1996 and the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.
The Goa Declaration demanded an immediate halt to the dilution of these laws and opposed amendments that compromises the autonomy, land rights and forest rights of the tribal communities. The Goa Declaration has further called upon the government of India, the state governments, Judiciary and the civil society to ensure that no law, policy, or project is implemented without the free, prior and informed consent of indigenous communities.
The Goa Declaration, which was adopted at the culmination of the two-day convention has further urged the Centre and the states to recognise and respect the rights, dignity and contributions of indigenous people.
The convention, held at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Navelim has further called to protect indigenous human rights defenders from threats, violence and false cases.
The Goa Declaration has further demanded a fully functional Tribes Advisory Council constituted in accordance with the provisions of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India in every State, where there are no Scheduled Areas notified, a significant Scheduled Tribes population resides.
The Declaration has called for framing of policies for tribal developments in consultations with and participation of indigenous communities and indigenous values, further insisting on initiation of dialogue and partnership with indigenous peoples to co-create sustainable futures.
