Congresswoman Aray: Venezuela is a reference in the vindication of indigenous peoples

Published at: 14/10/2024 05:28 PM

With the enactment of the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in 1999, it generated regulations that guarantee the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples, a fact that makes Venezuela a reference for the demand of indigenous peoples.

This was stated by the deputy of the National Assembly (AN), Karina Aray, in the program Café in the Morning broadcast by Venezolana de Televisión, where she said that, at present, indigenous schools teach the history of chiefs, and vindicate the struggle of Guaicaipura, Apacuana, among others.

“With the Constitution of 1999, indigenous peoples are recognized by granting a special chapter that recognizes the multicultural nature of the country; this step makes the country a reference in vindicating original peoples,” he said.

He stressed that the AN has approved laws to protect indigenous people, such as: the Organic Law on Indigenous Peoples and Communities, which is where the Law on the Guarantee of Lands and Habitat of Indigenous Peoples derives; the Law on Indigenous Craftsmen and Craftwomen; this regulation protects the cultural heritage, places of worship and the Indigenous Languages Act.

Regarding the regulations that protect indigenous languages, he specified that the Wayúu is the most numerous people in the country, which has its own language, and this Law guarantees protection through linguistic niches, which are spaces coordinated by the Institute of Indigenous Languages.

Likewise, the Warao language is strengthened and preserved, “all spaces for indigenous participation are born with the Constitution”.

He also stated that the Parliament is made up of 20 seats of indigenous peoples, in addition to the participation of legislators, “we have the participation of 31 indigenous people and also institutions such as the Ministry of Popular Power for Indigenous Peoples.”

Aray noted that in the country there are 52 indigenous peoples in eight indigenous communal territories and the Ministry of Popular Power for Indigenous Peoples and the National Institute of Statistics carry out the population and housing census, as well as the programs that guarantee identity.

The parliamentarian affirmed that in indigenous communities, the communal theme is not new because the essence of socialism is lived in indigenous communities. “There are community councils and they participated extensively in the Popular Consultation,” he said.

Mazo News Team