U.N.: Protect Chaco indigenous people

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Bolivia and Paraguay must protect indigenous people of the Chaco region between the two countries from discrimination and violence, the United Nations said.

The U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues expressed concern the indigenous people were trapped into forced labor, severe poverty and sometimes systematic violence after visiting Bolivia and Paraguay, the United Nations said Monday in a release.

The mission found while the two countries have taken some steps to address the issue of forced labor, additional action was needed immediately because of the severity of the situation, officials said.

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Permanent Forum chairwoman, said the mission found a response was needed on a national level and across borders to help the indigenous people of the Chaco.

"A strong message must be sent by the two national governments to the local governments and land owners of the Chaco region," she said. "It is unacceptable for any sector of society to be subjected to forced labor and other abuses."

The report asked Bolivia and Paraguay to establish institutions in the areas where forced labor is prevalent to ensure labor laws are enforced, appropriate rural development is undertaken and social services such as healthcare and education are in place.