Indigenous Identity, Human Rights, and the Environment in Myanmar: Local Engagement with Global Rights Discourses

The book explores how the indigenous movement in Myanmar constructs indigenous identities to connect communities to global mechanisms for addressing human rights and environmental issues. It draws implications for the intersectionality of local and global theoretical discourses of indigeneity, human rights, and the environment and highlights the agency and capabilities of communities in underdeveloped countries to engage different global mechanisms to address local grievances.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound experiences of the indigenous movement in Myanmar, shedding light on the intricate connections between local constructions of indigenous identities and global mechanisms for addressing human rights and environmental issues. Through a rich tapestry of narratives and insights, the author explores how various communities in Myanmar have embraced international discourses of indigenous identity as a powerful tool to advocate for their rights and protect their environment from the oppressive forces of the Myanmar state.

The exercise of global discourses of indigenous identity in Myanmar is not a mere replication of external prescriptions; rather, it is a deeply rooted response to historical endemic struggles. These struggles involve the intersectional issues of self-determination, cultural survival, and control over natural resources, which have plagued diverse peoples throughout history. By leveraging international legal frameworks, these communities seek to reclaim their rights and assert their agency in the face of systemic injustices.

This book offers valuable implications for the intersectionality of local and global theoretical discourses of indigeneity, human rights, and the environment. It highlights the ways in which local constructions of indigeneity intersect with broader global narratives, shaping the contours of international human rights and environmental efforts. By examining these intersections, the author identifies key challenges and opportunities for international human rights and environmental practitioners, as well as the aspirations of communities in underdeveloped countries seeking to engage with different global mechanisms to address local grievances against their states.

One of the central themes of this book is the agency and capabilities of communities in underdeveloped countries to engage with global mechanisms to address local grievances. The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diverse voices and perspectives of indigenous communities, and the need to empower them to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives and livelihoods. Through a case study approach, the book showcases the successes and challenges faced by indigenous communities in Myanmar as they navigate the complex web of international legal frameworks and advocate for their rights.

Furthermore, this book provides readers with a critical understanding of the issues posed by the local construction of indigeneity for the ideals and practice of international efforts regarding human rights and the environment. The author challenges the notion that indigenous identities are static or universal, and instead emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diverse ways in which communities define and express their identities. By doing so, the book fosters a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of indigenous cultures and societies, and highlights the need for inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches to addressing human rights and environmental challenges.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of indigenous studies, human rights, international law, Asian studies, development studies, and the environment. It offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the ways in which local constructions of indigenous identities intersect with global mechanisms for addressing human rights and environmental issues. By highlighting the agency and capabilities of communities in underdeveloped countries, the book empowers readers to recognize the importance of empowering indigenous voices and promoting inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches to international human rights and environmental efforts.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367679927