Bangkok--5 Aug--Plan Thailand
The Network of indigenous Peoples in Thailand teams up with 35 indigenous networks to host the 6th indigenous peoples’ festival to celebrate the upcoming International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. The network also calls for the government to act according to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and invites the public to campaign for indigenous people’s rights.
Sakda Sanmee, co-ordinator for the Network of indigenous Peoples in Thailand, revealed that the network including representatives from 35 ethnic groups, Plan International (Thailand), along with their extended network throughout the country will host the 6th Festival of Indigenous Peoples in Thailand during 7-9 August 2013. The festival will be held at Chiang Mai University Art Center, Kru Ba Sri Wichai Monument and at the four corners of the Chiang Mai Moat. This festival celebrates the sixth anniversary of the establishment of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Apart from the celebration, there will be a session where the networks will discuss and analyse problems of the government’s operation by using the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Framework. The network also plans to present the government with a concrete and practical development strategy for the indigenous people.
The festival will be a platform to showcase the indigenous people’s standpoint and their importance to our society. It will also serve as an opportunity for the public to understand the indigenous people’s civil rights. Moreover, emphasis has been put on the indigenous children to prevent them from being victims of harassment and bullying.
The event aims to give a chance for the indigenous community to have their say on future government development programs and an occasion to meet and exchange ideas among fellow indigenous people.
The network aims to make the most of the festival. “This is a great opportunity to officially put together a book containing Thailand indigenous peoples’ history and stories, so that the general public will have a chance to get to know their brothers and sisters better through these stories.” Sakda said.
A large number of Indigenous children from Capacity Improvement of Community in Nam Fang Basin Program will also be joining the event. Within the festival, there will be academic workshops, public forums and campaigns. Cultural activities include a stage for indigenous women and children, indigenous games and shows, souvenir shops and short film screenings. Stickers saying “Empowering Indigenous Voice” will also be handed out to festival goers to help create public awareness on the issue.
Suphol Singpoom, Plan Thailand Projects Director said that Plan Thailand has been entrusted by local and International Businesses and corporations who voluntarily give monetary support for the organization to promote the rights of children and indigenous people — especially in the rural areas of Northern Thailand. Plan aims improve the quality of life of deprived children, their families and their communities to meet their basic needs and to increase their ability to participate in and benefit from their societies, which is the basis of a sustainable long-term development.
For more information please contact
Khun Pipat Communicaition Commitee Tel. 081 166 7787
Khun Wipawee Plan Thailand Team 089 168 9009