The Japanese House of Representatives passed on 6 June a resolution which officially classifies the Ainu people as 'indigenous peoples'. The resolution marks a momentous victory for the Ainu, who have struggled long to be recognised as such. FORUM-ASIA hails the historic victory of the Ainu people as a victory for all indigenous peoples in Asia.
Momentous victory as Japan classifies Ainu as ‘indigenous peoples’
(Bangkok) The Japanese House of Representatives passed on 6 June a resolution which officially classifies the Ainu people as 'indigenous peoples'. The resolution marks a momentous victory for the Ainu, who have struggled long to be recognised as such.
As indigenous peoples, the Ainu can thus claim more rights as a people, following international law on indigenous peoples. Although the matter of which rights are to be recognised by the Japanese government are still to be further discussed, the recognition as indigenous peoples is perhaps the most significant a milestone that has far reaching consequences not only for the Ainu but for the region as well. It is worthwhile to note that the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is mentioned in the resolution as a standard that the goverment should "work toward[s]".
For the region, such recognition possibly points a way out of the position of almost all Asian governments of a blanket opposition to the category of 'indigenous peoples'. The Ainu resolution paves the way for a case-by-case classification of distinct ethnic groups, based on their self-identification and respective struggles for recognition of their rights. It should be stressed that the success of each process requires a strong solidarity among indigenous peoples from within and outside the country, as well as support from other non-indigenous groups.
FORUM-ASIA hails the historic victory of the Ainu people as a victory for all indigenous peoples in Asia.
Below is a statement of the Ainu Association of Hokkaido:
The "Resolution on demand to classify Ainu as indigenous peoples (6th June 2008)" was adopted unanimously at a plenary session of both houses. The resolution was created by the 'Member of Parliament Association concerning establishment of rights for Ainu" which is composed of bipartisan MPs elected from Hokkaido.
They have conducted meetings with Ainu Association of Hokkaido since March 2008. This resolution demanded the following two points of the Government: 1) recognition of Ainu as indigenous peoples who have a unique language, religion and culture and 2) work toward establishment of integrated measures by listening to the opinion of expert at a high level.
The title of the resolution was originally "draft resolution on Ainu as indigenous peoples". It was rewritten to demand that the government recognize Ainu as indigenous peoples.
However, during the process of creating the resolution there was a deletion of historical processes such as dispossession and assimilation policies.
After the resolution, the government announced the "statement on acknowledgement of Ainu as indigenous peoples" and created a round-table of experts to discuss the indigenous rights of Ainu and future policies in order that the Government fully recognise Ainu as indigenous peoples.
It is stated that participation of Ainu in the discussions will be at an observer level, however, Ainu Association of Hokkaido demands to have a representative among the members of the round-table.
This is a positive step for Ainu after the adoption of UNDRIP, however there is lack of understanding of the history regarding traditional Ainu territories and the process of colonization and assimilation.
There is a danger this resolution may exclude Ainu outside of Hokkaido in order to stress the enhancement of the promotion of past and current Ainu policies which are only implemented in Hokkaido.
It is important for Ainu to discuss representativeness and demands among Ainu organizations including AAH, and it is essential for Ainu to have full participation in the round-table process.
