In recognising Guyana’s commitment to the development of the Amerindian people the European Union (EU) has issued a call for proposals for projects aimed at strengthening and working with Amerindian communities.
According to a press release the EU said Indigenous Peoples hold a special place in every society and it has been estimated by the United Nations (UN) that they represent about 300 million people in 70 different countries worldwide. International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was observed yesterday.
In 2008 and 2009, the EU had issued two calls for proposals and four grants were awarded to organisations targeting the strengthening and development of Amerindians communities.
The EU also said it is engaged and committed to protecting and promoting the rights of Indigenous Peoples within the context of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (2007). According to High Representative of the EU Baroness Catherine Ashton, “the International Day provides an opportunity for (the) European Union to renew its commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous people across the world, as set out in the UN Declaration….” She also pledged the EU’s efforts to put an end to discrimination and unequal treatment – not only in principle but most importantly in practice.
