Refworld Case Law Collection Survey
World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Venezuela : Pemón
| Publisher | Minority Rights Group International |
| Publication Date | 2008 |
| Cite as | Minority Rights Group International, World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Venezuela : Pemón, 2008, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/49749c82a.html [accessed 12 January 2017] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Profile
The Pemón live in the southeast region of Venezuela and according to the 2001 national census, they number around 27,270 people. Their traditional subsistence activities include agriculture, hunting and fishing.
Historical context
In 1993 the National Indian Council of Venezuela (CONIVE) protested against the signing of a contract for the development of Pemón land by the Ministry of Energy and Mines which would mean blasting part of the rock in Roraima National Park. Besides being in violation of Pemón religious beliefs, it brought into question the government's environmental policy. Although Pemón leaders have shown some support for the Chavez government, in 2001 they knocked down electrical towers and kidnapped executives of Corporación Venezolana de Guayana in protest of government plans to build an electrical plant.
Current issues
Although mining and tourism have provided some employment opportunities for the Pemón, they are divided on the extent to which these activities are negatively affecting their communities and territory.
