A September "mobile congress" of over 60,000 indigenous peoples, workers, and campesinos resolved to create an international tribunal that will examine and guarantee indigenous human rights. On October 29 the tribunal came one step closer to its realization through the selection of Manfred Max Neef as International Ambassador and moderator for the Tribunal of Life and Justice.
Neef, a Chilean economist who won the Alternative Nobel Prize and served as advisor to the World Bank, was chosen by a council of indigenous leaders and elders. "This is one of the greatest honors of my life, and I accept it with deep respect for you, your principles, and your traditions. I am ready to learn so that I will be able to represent you with the dignity that you deserve," Neef said in his acceptance, according to Etnias de Colombia.
