Kabyle Organizations Shine at the 17th Session of the UN Forum on Minority Issues (video)

The 17th UN Forum on Minority Issues in Geneva highlighted the Kabyle community's struggles for recognition and autonomy in Algeria. Representatives addressed cultural suppression, human rights abuses, and economic marginalization, urging international support. They called for diplomatic pressure on Algeria and effective implementation of the UN Declaration on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights to protect their heritage.

HASSAN BENYOUB HASSAN BENYOUB
Nov 29, 2024 - 20:48
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Kabyle Organizations Shine at the 17th Session of the UN Forum on Minority Issues (video)
the Kabyle representatives passionately presenting at the 17th Session of the UN Forum on Minority Issues in Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland - The 17th session of the UN Forum on Minority Issues, held at the Palais des Nations, brought together representatives from various minority groups around the world, including several organizations from the Kabyle community. This year's forum, which took place from November 24 to 25, provided a unique platform for minority groups to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and propose solutions to the challenges they face.

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The Kabyle Community's Plea for Recognition

The Kabyle representatives took center stage to highlight the numerous challenges facing their community, including the lack of official recognition as a distinct nation, cultural and linguistic suppression, and human rights abuses perpetrated by the Algerian government. They emphasized the urgent need for international support to protect the Kabyle language and culture, which are essential components of their heritage.

Key Challenges Facing the Kabyle Community

  • Lack of official recognition: The Kabyle community is not recognized as a distinct nation by the Algerian government, despite their unique cultural, linguistic, and historical identity.
  • Cultural and linguistic suppression: The Algerian government has implemented policies aimed at suppressing the Kabyle language and culture, including the restriction of Kabyle-language education and media.
  • Human rights abuses: The Kabyle community has faced numerous human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression.
  • Economic marginalization: The Kabyle region has been economically marginalized, with limited access to resources and infrastructure.

Recommendations to the UN

The Kabyle representatives presented a set of concrete recommendations to the UN, calling for:

  1. Support for autonomy: The UN should support the Kabyle community's right to autonomy and self-determination.
  2. Diplomatic pressure on Algeria: The UN should exert diplomatic pressure on the Algerian government to respect the rights of minority groups, including the Kabyle community.
  3. Implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: The UN should ensure the effective implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples to preserve their identity and decide their own future.

A Call to Action

The Kabyle representatives urged the international community to take action to support their struggle for recognition and autonomy. They emphasized that the protection of minority rights is essential for promoting peace, stability, and human dignity.

Conclusion

The 17th session of the UN Forum on Minority Issues provided a unique opportunity for the Kabyle community to voice their concerns and propose solutions to the challenges they face. The international community must take action to support the Kabyle community's struggle for recognition and autonomy, and to ensure the protection of minority rights around the world.

Table: UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Article Description
Article 1 Indigenous peoples have the right to the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Article 2 Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination, including the right to determine their own political, economic, social, and cultural development.
Article 3 Indigenous peoples have the right to preserve their cultural identity, including their language, customs, and traditions.
Article 4 Indigenous peoples have the right to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lands, territories, and resources.

List of Organizations Participating in the Forum

  • Kabyle Cultural Association
  • Kabyle Human Rights Organization
  • Kabyle Autonomy Movement
  • International Association for the Protection of Minority Rights
  • UN Working Group on Minority Issues

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