The NGO Committee on the United Nations International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples seeks to present, promulgate and promote UN activities for the Decade for Indigenous Peoples. Founded in 1991, it is a Special Committee of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CONGO).

A multimedia exhibit about mining and its effect on the world’s indigenous peoples is to be held at United Nations Church Center in New York City, USA.

The Mining Working Group of the NGO Committee on the United Nations International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples invites you to “Bearing Witness: Panning for Justice” at the Tillman Chapel of the Church Center for the United Nations on May 8th from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Coinciding with the UN’s Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the exhibit will highlight the consequences of national and international policies which privilege extractive industry over the lives of people. Pictures, videos and stories will bear witness to the fact that those who have lived for generations on the land often have their water and soil devastated and their human and indigenous rights violated by extractive industry practices.

Several mining activists, including Francisco Leiva, who was forced to flee his native Honduras after his life was threatened, will be present and available for media interviews.

A solemn service of commemoration will also be held at the Tillman Chapel at 2:30 PM to honor those who have been killed or have been disappeared because they sought to raise awareness and accountability of mining abuses in their communities.

The event is free and open to the public.

The Tillman Chapel of the Church Center for the United Nations is located at 777 First Avenue at 44th St. in New York.