Readings & Resources
Annotated Bibliography (Regional)
Selections from Indigenous Children: Rights and Reality - A Report on Indigenous Children and the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child
Global • Asia • Africa • Pacific • North America & Europe • Latin America
Africa
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). Report of the African Commission’s Working Group of Experts on Indigenous Populations/Communities. Adopted by the ACHPR at its 28th ordinary session. Banjul and Copenhagen: ACHPR and IWGIA, 2005.
This groundbreaking report presents a comprehensive investigation of human rights issues of concern to Indigenous peoples in Africa, measured against the framework of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. It catalogues extensive abuses against Indigenous peoples’ rights, looks further into the concept of ‘peoples’ in the African Charter, and explores the issue of identifying and defining ‘indigenous peoples’. Attention is drawn to the situation of children and youth throughout the report, especially regarding health and education. A number of recommendations are made.
Available online: www.iwgia.org/sw6872.asp
Hayes, Jennifer; Amanda Siegruhn. “Education and the San of Southern Africa,” Indigenous Affairs iss.1 (2005) Indigenous Peoples and Education, pp.26-34.
The authors of this article, a teacher and an anthropologist, conducted research in San communities in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. They found that though the San place a high value on education, they tended to be deeply dissatisfied with the quality and cultural relevance of the education available to their children.
Ibrahim, Hindou Oumarou. “Indigenous Peul Girls in Chad,” Indigenous Affairs iss.3/4 (2005) Indigenous Youth, pp.28-31.
The author of this article, a young Peul (also known as Fulani) women’s activist and organizer, discusses some of the major problems faced by Peul girls in Chad. She focuses on lack of access to education, harmful customary practices, and societal discrimination.
Kaunga, Johnson Ole. “Indigenous Peoples’ Experiences with the Formal Education System: The Case of the Kenyan Pastoralists,” Indigenous Affairs iss.1 (2005) Indigenous Peoples and Education, pp.35-41.
The author of the article founded two Kenyan Indigenous peoples’ organisations. He writes about the exclusion and discrimination faced by Indigenous pastoral peoples in Kenya. Kaunga describes the Kenyan educational system as geared towards assimilation and the repression of Indigenous culture, though he also notes that it provides a useful avenue for potential leaders to gain skills in the broader world and advocate for their peoples’ rights and interests.
Fein, Helen. “Genocide by Attrition in Sudan,” Crimes of War Project: The Magazine. www.crimesofwar.org Accessed on July 18th 2006. April 2002.
This article is linked to a broader discussion in the magazine, entitled: “Is There Genocide in Sudan?” Fein argues that genocide did occur against the Indigenous Dinka and Nuba peoples of southern Sudan, in the period between 1983 and 1993, noting that other authors have more recent information on genocide extending beyond that time. The article focuses on the manipulation of famine against the Dinka, and abusive practices against Nuba families in “peace camps”.
Available online: www.crimesofwar.org