NCF Research Officer Kabwita Kandolonyi delivers an oral intervention to the United Nations Human Rights Council 54th session. Kabwita addresses the United Nations in context of environmental damage and loss of cultural heritage due to Palm Oil plantations.

Transcript:

The Auyu indigenous tribe in Papua, in the Republic of Indonesia, are in an ongoing battle against the Tanah Merah Project; a project causing both environmental damage and the loss of cultural heritage. This puts 280,000 hectares of vital rainforest at risk of one of history’s largest instances of mass deforestation. The imminent conversion of this vast area into expansive palm oil plantations serves as a serious caution against unregulated palm oil production.

Palm oil is present in biodiesel, detergent, shampoo, and soap. Despite its widespread use, detecting palm oil in products is a perplexing task due to its numerous alternative names.

The Next Century Foundation advocates clear and precise labeling of products containing palm oil, providing consumers with the information they need to make conscious choices that align with their ethical values. This empowers individuals to avoid products contributing to the destruction of irreplaceable rainforests and the displacement of indigenous communities.

The global community should unite in support of dedicated activists who are striving to protect the last remaining rainforests on our planet. The predicament of the Auyu tribe serves as a stark reminder of the need for governments to establish regulations that control deforestation and safeguard the rights of indigenous populations.

The Next Century Foundation is concerned by the pressing nature of the Auyu tribe’s struggle and stresses the importance of accurately labeling products containing palm oil. We call upon the global community to stand alongside environmental activists. It is imperative that we prevent the continued unchecked destruction of rainforests.