The Russell Tribunal
Organization profile published 1981

Publisher:  New Breed, the Voice of Saskatchewan Metis and non-Status Indians, Regina, Canada
Year Published:  1981
Resource Type:  Organization
Cx Number:  CX2261

The Russell Tribunal, operated by the Russell foundation, originates from Bertrand Russell's endeavours for the attainment of peace, human rights and social justice.

Abstract: 
The Russell Tribunal, operated by the Russell foundation, originates from Bertrand Russell's endeavours for the attainment of peace, human rights and social justice. It was created to examine in public the wrongs committed by Governments and Business against aboriginal peoples. As an international forum for grievances, the Tribunal seeks to reach the consciousness of humanity. It is not a court of law.

The Tribunal held November 24-29, 1980 in Rotterdam, Holland was the fourth since 1967. The jury heard fourteen cases - six from North America and eight from Latin America. Of the six from North America - two were from Canada and four from the United States. Of the eight from Latin America, there were six from South America and two from Central America. These cases represented declarations made on behalf of indigenous people of the Americas. Throughout the hearings, there was a common thread of gross and inhuman repression an massacres. Many delegates and witnesses were detained and therefore unable to be present personally to give testimony. In spite of these problems, facts about situations kept secret by means of censorship and control of the mass media where heard.

The Canadian articles presented to the Jury were "Louis Riel: Justice Must Be Done", "Indian Rights And The Constitution" (reprinted in new breed, December, 1980). "Squatters On Their Own Land".

The International Indian Treaty Council will host Geneva Conference in September, 1981. This Conference will deal strictly with land issues.

This abstract was published in the Connexions Digest in 1981.