Guyana: UN committee expresses concern over construction of power plant near Indian village

A UN committee contacted by the Guyanese Indians has expressed its concerns to France about a photovoltaic power plant project in this French overseas department in South America.

The Western Guyana Power Plant (CEOG) project has been contested for many years by residents of Prosperite (or Atopo Wepe), a Kalina Indian village located two kilometers from the site. They consider the plant too close to their homes and ask that another location be found for it.

Lack of consultation

In a letter addressed on April 26 to the French mission in Geneva, which AFP was able to read on Thursday, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) said it was “concerned” that “there would be no consultation or free, prior and informed consent of the people of Kalina before the project is approved” and the “negative impact” of the project on their lands, resources and traditional way of life.”

The committee, made up of 18 independent experts who do not have the power to restrain states, also says it is concerned about “allegations of excessive use of force by law enforcement, arrests, trials and criminal convictions against Cali leaders and members.” People.

Complaint filed by the traditional village head

The complaint was filed at the request of the traditional chief of the village, Roland Syabere, by the Organization of the Indigenous Peoples of French Guiana (ONAG), with the support of the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), a non-governmental organization based in Geneva.

“The questioning of France by the Committee is a victory for the people of Kalina and all the people who have supported us in our struggle to preserve our lands and our traditions,” responded traditional chief Roland Syabere in the press. exemption from ISHR.

In its letter, the committee explains that it “fears that the allegations received may constitute a violation of France’s obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and an “attack on the rights of indigenous peoples.

Information will be provided by June 26.

The committee asks France to provide information on the allegations by June 26, in particular on measures taken to “protect the human rights of the people of Kalina”, as well as on measures taken or envisaged to change the location or suspend the project “until from free, prior and informed consent has been obtained from the affected Indigenous Peoples.”

“We call on the French authorities to cooperate with the Committee and take all necessary measures to resolve the long-standing tensions around the village of Prosperite,” responded Madeleine Sinclair from ISHR.

Ultimately, this photovoltaic installation is designed to power 10,000 homes using hydrogen-fueled energy storage technology.