Convenor
Buddhadeb Chaudhuri
Commission on Human Rights, IUAES
Abstract
Anthropologically, tribe or indigenous people, also referred as ethnic minority, are a social group the members of which live in a common territory, have a common dialect, uniform social organisation and possess cultural homogeneity having a common ancestor, political organisation and religious pattern. But perhaps it would be very difficult to find many tribal groups or indigenous people who possess all these characteristics.
In not too distant past, many social anthropologists offered a rather bizarre model for them, looking upon them as queer species of humankind, often divorced from the national mainstream. Viewed thus, they have for long carried a distorted socio-economic image in popular perceptions, an image reinforced by their marginalized, peripheral existence.
The indigenous people or tribals who form a sizeable population in many countries are treated in a number of ways by the different governments. The approaches vary at two extremes, the policy of segregation or isolation to total assimilation. Various development programmes have also been initiated for them and it has been pointed out that to make the programmes successful, one must be aware about their cultural traditions, eco-system and economy, history and ethnic composition of the region and felt needs of the population. It is important to examine their transformation and capture the changing scenario and a whole diversity of attendant issues related to economy, agronomy, politics, ethnicity, ecology, education, technology transfer, social/ ethno-political movements, religious faiths and rituals and their rich traditional wisdom and knowledge. It is to be critically examined how development processes have affected their pristine environment or how the deepening crisis of identity have not only produced new social formations, but have led to turmoil, unrest and movement.
One unfortunate contradiction is noted in many places. The areas where indigenous people live are very rich so far the natural resources are concerned. But the poorest of the poor also live here. Again, a number of development programmes have been initiated which have varied effects on population. In many places, the development programmes have benefited some while created disruption and displacement for others, particularly the indigenous people
affecting their survival and security. One will have to examine the issue of displacement, land alienation and their access and command over natural resources particularly forest resources in this context. The changing forest policy and commercial afforestation have affected their health and nutrition also In this Panel, these issues will be examined with cross-cultural data.
panel presented by IUAES Commission on Human Rights