Emily Mader/12 Feb. 2008/11:44am/human rights
Human rights activists have condemned the biofuel industry in Indonesia. A report published by Friends of the Earth, LifeMosaic and Sawit Watch – all activists groups for the environment and indigenous rights – states that the increasing demand for palm oil is destroying the habitat and livelihood of indigenous peoples across Indonesia. The report states that not only is this activity destroying the habitat by cutting down vital forests, but it is also polluting the water with fertilizers, thereby stripping these indigenous groups of their means of subsistence entirely. Furthermore, the report claims that palm oil companies use violet tactics when converting forested land into plantations. Previously self-sufficient communities are now struggling to afford food and education. The activists groups claim that the human rights to water, health, the right to work, cultural rights and the right to be protected from ill-treatment and arbitrary arrest are all being violated.
I honestly could not agree more with these activists. A lot of people have the idea that any alternative to fossil fuels is a good alternative, but this article points out why and how that position is wrong. The indigenous people whose livelihoods are being taken away from them by these companies are suffering real and serious human rights violations. They no longer have a way to produce food or water, all done in the name of progress. Furthermore, the lands that have been destroyed by these plantation farms will never return to their previous state – those lands are lost forever.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/feb/11/biofuels.energy?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront
1 comment:
I also agree with the activists. It seems that we are trying to find alternatives but even those are harming the indigenous people. Instead we need to try finding alternatives that do NOT harm peoples lives. It is not fair to them because eventually their home will be completely destroyed.
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