A win for Indigenous Peoples defenders, a win for the environment and struggle for self-determination!
The International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL) salutes its partner Saw
Paul Sein Twa, an Indigenous Karen rights activist, from the Karen Environmental and Social Action Network (KESAN) for
winning the 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize.
In a visit to the Karen community in 2019, IPMSDL witnessed how Saw Paul has immersed himself with the life and
struggles of the Karen people and community. His grassroots involvement is anchored and built on community cooperation
and participatory governance. He has been active in working towards the protection of the environment and Karen’s
ancestral territories through the 5,400 sq. km. Salween Peace Park. Efforts to strengthen Indigenous knowledge and
practices in securing their territories’ biodiversity and sustainable food production coupled with the use of modern
technology shine alternatives away from existing destructive methods and global capitalist economic systems. Undeniably,
Saw Paul and KESAN’s contribution does not only inspire people but moves them into action with IP rights and collective
leadership at the core.
This exemplary work is even more impressive amid persistent and escalating attacks against IP human rights defenders
(IPHRDs), communities, and organizations from state armed forces and corporations in Burma. The Karen people continue to
work despite the increasing rights violations, conflict, threats of Hatgyi mega-dams, land-grabbing, and infrastructure
projects of Burma military government, international finance institutions (IFIs), and transnational corporations (TNCs).
The recognition given to Saw Paul – the organization and community he represents – only proves the central and critical
role of Indigenous Peoples in sustainable development as well as environmental protection. Saw Paul and the Karen
people’s work is a testament that the struggle for land rights, self-determination, justice, and peace is a concrete
solution to defend our planet and people against imperialist plunder and war.
IPMSDL also celebrates the victory of other Indigenous rights activists: Time Magazine Person of the Year 2020 Nemonte
Nenquimo of Waorani people who fought to preserve 500,000 acres of Amazonian rainforest against oil extraction; and
Mayan leader Leydy Pech who stood against the giant Monsanto and suspend its plans to plant genetically modified
soybeans in Mayan territories in southern Mexico.
The IP right to decide for their future, and govern and manage their lands and territories are century-old medicines to
the virus of profit-driven, colonial and deadly structures that kill the planet and its people. Let these recognitions
spark inspiration to further strengthen our resolve in defending our ancestral territories and right to
self-determination – a key element in safeguarding our planet and future generations.