Commemorating 180 years of East Indian Indentureship

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On May 30th 1845, we joined in solidarity to commemorate 180 years since the Indentureship period began in former British colonies following the end of slavery. Core to the belief of the the East Indian Indentured Laborers was respect & reverence to Mother Earth. The Earth was seen as a living being, spiritual, something of intrinsic value for which we all have a responsibility to protect.

This view is consistent with trusteeship law, which imposes a primary duty of care on us all to put the health and well-being of people and planet first. Notably this view of the earth is supported by Article 73 and 75 of the United Nations Charter.

Stemming from the Industrial era to date, the Earth is being treated as a commodity, something a value could be imposed on with a price tag, to sell, use, abuse and exploit. This view triggers the laws of corporations to put profit first. Companies in fact, have a legal duty to maximize its profits to its shareholders. This may have served them well but they failed to look at the consequences.

At Climate Rights & Justice International, we are working towards preserving the core beliefs of the Indentured Laborers. It is a view supported by law, science, all faiths and it is also consistent with the beliefs of the indigenous communities. We implore the global community to do the same.