The Anthropology Of Genocide - WNLibrary

confronting genocide of indigenous peoples 81
Many of these problems lie in the convention itself. First, the definition itself is
lacking in clarity. Second, the convention concentrates primarily on punishment
rather than prevention. Third, the lack of enforcement has meant that the Genocide
Convention can be ignored by states and individuals without fear of retribution.
Many states are reluctant to pursue genocide cases because they take the position
that these situations are “internal matters”; taking strong action might be
viewed as denying self-determination and states’ rights. However, as Whitaker
(1985:35) notes, genocide should be made a matter of universal jurisdiction. Only
in that way will governments be held accountable for their actions.
Among the most important efforts to achieve the protection of the rights of indigenous
peoples are those of various indigenous groups themselves. Indigenous
groups today are “organizing to survive,” as one San put it. Their actions are important
for a number of key reasons. First of all, the efforts are a classic case of selfdetermination.
The groups know what they need and desire, and they are working
toward those goals, some on an individual basis and some collectively. Second, these
actions, while not always successful, serve to provide important experience for indigenous
groups, and they may serve to increase their knowledge and potential effectiveness.
Third, they often serve to enhance the organizational capacity of the
groups because they often require them to try various decision-making, participation,
and leadership strategies. Fourth, the efforts, if successful even marginally, provide individuals
and groups with much-needed self-confidence in the face of adversity.
Although most of these groups eventually come face to face with forces that
are beyond their control, they are better equipped to cope with them for having
attempted to mobilize themselves. The fact that they are forming coalitions and
communicating more effectively through the electronic media and other means is
indicative of their desire to establish broad-based networks and information dissemination
mechanisms.
That said, one still needs to be circumspect in regard to what has been and still
needs to be accomplished. For example, while it is certainly true that indigenous
groups are making steady progress, it is also a fact that there are individual governments,
big businesses, certain church organizations, and others that are doing
everything in their power to circumvent the efforts and progress being made by
indigenous groups within their realm of power or interest. What needs to be done
by indigenous groups and nonindigenous organizations that support them is to form
strong networks and coalitions that will work toward the same goals in the most efficacious
manner. It can be hoped that such efforts will prevent factions from being
formed and will lead to a more cohesive and stronger movement for the protection
of all indigenous peoples.
Encouraging representatives of governments and indigenous peoples to reach
agreement on international standards for protecting indigenous peoples is an ongoing
task of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the United Nations,
which is made up of representatives of indigenous peoples and groups that
work with them (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs 1999). Although