Summary:
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The Holy See’s example has continued to have an impact, and José Francisco Cal Tzay, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, expressed hope that states will follow suit.
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Unhealed woundMany Indigenous Peoples all around the world still have unresolved issues with the theology of discovery, he claimed.
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The papal doctrine has been utilised to assert control over indigenous lands in the Americas, Africa, and other parts of the world.
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Mr. Cal Tzay applauded the Vatican for acknowledging the negative repercussions of colonization, including as the suffering endured by Indigenous Peoples.
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Examine and rejectHe asked all nations that still adhere to the “Doctrine of Discovery” to take the Vatican’s example and openly repudiate the decree while also evaluating all case law and legislative provisions that rely on it.
The Holy See’s example has continued to have an impact, and José Francisco Cal Tzay, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, expressed hope that states will follow suit.
Unhealed wound
Many Indigenous Peoples all around the world still have unresolved issues with the theology of discovery, he claimed. As part of the process of rapprochement between Indigenous Peoples and colonial States, it must be addressed.
The papal doctrine has been utilised to assert control over indigenous lands in the Americas, Africa, and other parts of the world.
Mr. Cal Tzay applauded the Vatican for acknowledging the negative repercussions of colonization, including as the suffering endured by Indigenous Peoples.He applauded Pope Francis’s call for giving up the colonialist mindset and fostering respect and communication.
Important action
“By rejecting all concepts that do not recognise their inherent human rights, the Holy See has taken an important step towards reconciliation and healing with Indigenous Peoples,” he stated.
The concept was acknowledged as giving European colonial powers a unilateral right to assert superior sovereignty and rights over the lands and resources of Indigenous Peoples based on their alleged lack of civilisation and religion.
He continued by saying that in some countries, it still has a detrimental effect on indigenous rights.
A means of exploitation
He asserted that the Doctrine of Discovery gives States that continue to use this legal theory as part of their national law, legislation, and jurisprudence, particularly in relation to land disputes, a legal basis to unilaterally deprive Indigenous Peoples of their rights to title and ownership of their traditional lands and territories.
The UN expert stated that this was one of the main contributors to Indigenous Peoples’ intergenerational trauma, which is currently manifested in high rates of youth suicide, disproportionate representation in the criminal justice system, violence against women and girls, and racial discrimination.
Examine and reject
He asked all nations that still adhere to the “Doctrine of Discovery” to take the Vatican’s example and openly repudiate the decree while also evaluating all case law and legislative provisions that rely on it.
As part of the Council’s Special Procedures, Special Rapporteurs like Mr. Cali Tzay and other independent experts selected by the UN Human Rights Council are tasked with monitoring and reporting on certain thematic concerns or country conditions.
They are not employed by the UN and are not paid for their efforts.