Indigenous Peoples spearhead action to claim their rights

Later this month, the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) kicks off at UN Headquarters in New York, bringing together Indigenous Peoples, government representatives, UN agencies and civil society from around the world. Ahead of the session, we spoke with Ms. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Chair of UNPFII, about key developments and issues related to Indigenous Peoples and their rights. 

In 2007, the UN General Assembly adopted the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Where do we stand on its realization around the world? 

“The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) adopted in 2007, has significantly influenced global policies, but its full realization remains uneven. Some States have incorporated its principles into laws, supporting land rights, self-determination and cultural preservation. However, many Indigenous Peoples still face land dispossession, discrimination and violence. Implementation challenges stem from political resistance, economic interests and legal barriers. One of the main problems continues to be the recognition of Indigenous Peoples by some Member States. While international bodies and advocacy groups push for stronger enforcement, Indigenous Peoples continue to lead efforts for their rights. Progress varies, but UNDRIP remains a vital framework for advancing Indigenous Peoples’ rights worldwide.”

With the many crises around the world such as climate change and biodiversity loss, what are some of the biggest challenges that Indigenous Peoples face? How can Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge and practices contribute to environmental protection, climate adaptation and mitigation? 

“Indigenous Peoples are guardians and stewards of Nature. We possess the knowledge of our lands, territories and environments. This knowledge is not theoretical; it has been tried and tested since time immemorial and for many generations. As Indigenous Peoples, we are dependent and interconnected with Mother Earth and vice versa. So, when the environment is impacted by the effects of climate change, Indigenous Peoples are directly impacted, as climate change affects our livelihoods, our food sovereignty, our cultures and traditions and our ability to live on our ancestral lands. At the same time, the world needs to listen to Indigenous Peoples, as we have solutions and knowledge. Through supporting Indigenous Peoples and ensuring their voices are included in important dialogues and decision-making on biodiversity and climate change, as well as ensuring that financial resources is provided directly to Indigenous Peoples, we can work together to mitigate climate change for all.”

In what ways does the UNPFII address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous women and girls?

“The UNPFII has always served as a critical platform to amplify the already strong voices of Indigenous women and girls. Indigenous women and girls face intersectional discrimination, because their gender and their identity as Indigenous Peoples. With this intersectionality in mind, Indigenous women and girls face marginalization in many facets of their lives, including economic, political and social development, culture, environment, education, health and human rights.

However, Indigenous women are essential to society - we possess unique knowledge, transmit this knowledge, culture and traditions and are critical leaders in our own communities and families. Over the two decades since the UNPFII was established, through the Forum as well as beyond the halls of the United Nations, Indigenous women and girls have advocated to secure their rights. This has resulted in achievements such as the realization of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the ILO Convention 169 and more recently, the adoption of General Recommendation No. 39 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Again Women (CEDAW), which provides an important tool to advance the implementation of Indigenous women’s rights and should be integrated into this broader discussion.” 

For more information: UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples

Photo credit: AFPAT.