Institute for Ecology and Action Ethnology

The Institute for Ecology and Action Ethnology eV (infoe) is a non-governmental organization based in Cologne and Zurich . The non-profit association was founded in 1987 in Mönchengladbach and primarily advocates for the human rights of indigenous peoples .

Theoretical basis

Basis of the association is the American US by the ethnologist Karl Silesian coined concept of action anthropology ( Anglo-American action anthropology ). It is a further development of applied ethnology and essentially includes the claim to use the ethnologist's tools for the benefit, on request and in cooperation with indigenous peoples. Applied ethnology, on the other hand, is criticized for allowing itself to be used against the interests of indigenous peoples, for example when it is acting on behalf of the government or corporate groups.

Thematic focus

• Human rights of the indigenous peoples of the Russian North, Siberia and the Russian Far East , with particular attention to the consequences of oil production and other forms of mineral exploitation;
• "The Guardians of the Earth and the Nuclear Chain" - Consequences of Uranium Extraction for Aboriginal Australians and Other Indigenous Peoples;
• The Convention no. 169 of the International Labor Organization . Within a coalition of German non-governmental organizations , infoe advocates the ratification of this agreement on the human rights of indigenous peoples.

activity

The activities are mainly divided into three areas:

• Action research - scientific work on behalf of or in cooperation with indigenous peoples, which is made available in the form of documentation and studies
• Lobbying - practical support for the advancement of the interests of indigenous peoples against states and governments as well as within the UN system
• Public relations - educational work, events, lectures, film series, exhibitions and other topics in the areas of indigenous peoples, human rights and protection of the natural foundations of life

Cooperation

The work is mainly honorary done. The association also offers a recognized internship for ethnologists .

Web links

• www.infoe.de - infoe Germany
• www.infoe.ch - infoe Switzerland
• www.jabiluka.de - Campaign Stop Jabiluka
• www.ilo169.de - Human rights for indigenous peoples: Campaign for the ratification of ILO Convention 169