Navajo-Hopi Conflict: A Human Rights Perspective - Prof. John Burdick, Papers of Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

Download Navajo-Hopi Conflict: A Human Rights Perspective - Prof. John Burdick and more Papers Introduction to Cultural Anthropology in PDF only on Docsity! Global Encounters ANT 185/AA185 Fall 2000 Paper topics for course segment on the Dineh Please write a 1400-1600 word paper on one of the following four topics. The paper is due in lecture on Monday, December 4th. All expectations and criteria applied to previous paper apply to this one as well. Remember in particular the rule about relying on at least two kinds of course material (of which one must be reading). Topic 1 In 1998, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights sent Mr. Abdelfattah Amor, Special Rapporteur on Religious Intolerance and Freedom, to investigate (among other things) the situation faced by the Dineh in Arizona. (The text of the full report may be read on-line at http://www.unhchr.ch/Huridocda/Huridoca.nsf. ) After reviewing the case, Amor expressed concern about the case and called “for the observance of international law on freedom of religion and its manifestations”. In particular, Amor raised the possibility that the United States might be in violation of the United Nations’ Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, which states that “1. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. This right shall include freedom to have a religion or whatever belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice, and teaching. 2. No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have a religion or belief of his choice. 3. Freedom to manifest one's religion or belief may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.” (The full text of the Declaration may be read on-line at http://www.ifor.math.ethz.ch/~schlicke/doc.) The Special Rapporteur has solicited the views of American citizens on this matter, and welcomes letters. Based on what you have learned about the Navajo-Hopi conflict, write a formal letter to the Special Rapporteur that either 1) supports his concern that the United States Government may be in violation of the Declaration; or 2) makes the case that the United States Government is not in violation of the Declaration. Whichever position you take, you must a) show that you are familiar with the history of the Navajo-Hopi dispute; b) display familiarity with Navajo religious beliefs; c) display familiarity with the arguments of the US government as to why the Navajo must relocate; and d) explain why you believe the facts of the case add up either to a violation or non- violation of the United Nations’ Declaration.