Today marks the International Day of Indigenous Women which commemorates Bartolina Sisa – the Aymara leader who was executed for her role in the 1780 Aymara-Quechua rebellion against Spanish colonial rule. Her death was intended to quieten the Indigenous movement, but her legacy continues to inspire those fighting for justice. We work with many inspiring Indigenous women and girls who have been learning from their elders the importance of safeguarding their lands and waters as relatives for a better future for all. Helena Gualinga – an Indigenous rights defender from the Kichwa Sarayaku community in Ecuador – is one of these. Here is her story. “In the Ecuadorian Amazon, the most efficient mechanism of protection is Indigenous custodianship. There is huge pressure from extractive fronts, from both legal and illegal mining, oil, and hydroelectric power dams. As people are completely dependent on our water systems and the health of our water, we must address these threats. It's extremely important that those on the land are not only speaking up, but that their voices are amplified. If they’re voicing these concerns, and no one's listening to them, they are more vulnerable to threats and attacks that unfortunately, do still take place in Ecuador. We're really concerned about safety – people are literally putting their body on the lines to defend their territories. Land defenders are being criminalised. They are called terrorists simply for opposing a mining project – they’re called anti-development, anti-country. This problem is putting the land and the forest in danger, but first of all, it's putting our people in danger. In this moment, we could still stop a lot of projects and work on solutions. But we have a lot on our plate. Supporting young people and Indigenous leaders directly on the ground is more important than ever.” With support from our Freshwater Programme, Helena hopes to support Indigenous land rights and protect the many free-flowing rivers that intersect with Ecuador’s territories. #IndigenousWomen #InternationalDayOfIndigenousWomen #Ecuador [Image description: First slide shows Helena looking upwards in a forest, second shows a frame of Helena overlaid on Ecuador's cloud forest, third is a close up of Helena, her face partially obscured by pointed leaves, fourth shows a river in a forest, fifth shows Helena leaning on an old tree.]
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🧐 Is UNDRIP a Trojan Horse? While the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is framed as a supportive document for Indigenous rights, there may be hidden consequences within its implementation that warrant a deeper look. Here’s why some view it as a potential Trojan Horse: 🔍 1. Hidden Control Through Sovereignty • Illusion of Autonomy: External governments may control how UNDRIP policies are implemented, undermining true sovereignty. • Corporate Interests: Governments and corporations could use UNDRIP to further their agendas under the guise of consultation. 🛡️ 2. Dilution of Traditional Governance • Incompatibility: UNDRIP’s Western legal frameworks may not align with Indigenous governance systems based on spirituality and oral traditions. • Control Over Culture: Governments may regulate or commodify Indigenous cultural practices. 🌍 3. UN Involvement in Local Affairs • Global Agendas: UNDRIP could force Indigenous nations to align with global policies that don’t serve their best interests. • Weak Enforcement: The declaration depends on state cooperation, allowing for selective or diluted implementation. ⚖️ 4. Legal Ambiguity • Non-Binding Nature: UNDRIP is not legally binding, allowing states to support it without taking meaningful action. • Exploitation of Loopholes: Vague wording may allow states to bypass the protection of Indigenous rights. ⚔️ 5. Dividing Indigenous Communities • Internal Conflict: UNDRIP may unintentionally divide Indigenous communities between those who support it and those who view it as external imposition. • Top-Down Approach: Decisions may be made by external powers, excluding grassroots Indigenous voices. In conclusion, while UNDRIP claims to support Indigenous rights, it may open the door to further colonization and external control. Indigenous communities must remain vigilant to ensure it doesn’t limit their sovereignty or serve external interests. 💡 Time for critical reflection: How is UNDRIP really being used? #IndigenousRights #Sovereignty #UNDRIP #TrojanHorse #IndigenousSovereignty #IndigenousCommunities #CriticalAnalysis #IndigenousGovernance #Colonization #IndigenousLeadership #IndigenousPeoples #CorporateColonialism
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Relevant text:”” “ 🔍 1. Hidden Control Through Sovereignty • Illusion of Autonomy: External governments may control how UNDRIP policies are implemented, undermining true sovereignty. • Corporate Interests: Governments and corporations could use UNDRIP to further their agendas under the guise of consultation. 🛡️ 2. Dilution of Traditional Governance • Incompatibility: UNDRIP’s Western legal frameworks may not align with Indigenous governance systems based on spirituality and oral traditions. • Control Over Culture: Governments may regulate or commodify Indigenous cultural practices. 🌍 3. UN Involvement in Local Affairs • Global Agendas: UNDRIP could force Indigenous nations to align with global policies that don’t serve their best interests. • Weak Enforcement: The declaration depends on state cooperation, allowing for selective or diluted implementation. ⚖️ 4. Legal Ambiguity • Non-Binding Nature: UNDRIP is not legally binding, allowing states to support it without taking meaningful action. • Exploitation of Loopholes: Vague wording may allow states to bypass the protection of Indigenous rights. ⚔️ 5. Dividing Indigenous Communities • Internal Conflict: UNDRIP may unintentionally divide Indigenous communities between those who support it and those who view it as external imposition. • Top-Down Approach: Decisions may be made by external powers, excluding grassroots Indigenous voices. In conclusion, while UNDRIP claims to support Indigenous rights, it may open the door to further colonization and external control. Indigenous communities must remain vigilant to ensure it doesn’t limit their sovereignty or serve external interests. 💡 Time for critical reflection: How is UNDRIP really being used? #IndigenousRights #Sovereignty #UNDRIP #TrojanHorse #IndigenousSovereignty #IndigenousCommunities #CriticalAnalysis #IndigenousGovernance #Colonization #IndigenousLeadership #IndigenousPeoples”
🧐 Is UNDRIP a Trojan Horse? While the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is framed as a supportive document for Indigenous rights, there may be hidden consequences within its implementation that warrant a deeper look. Here’s why some view it as a potential Trojan Horse: 🔍 1. Hidden Control Through Sovereignty • Illusion of Autonomy: External governments may control how UNDRIP policies are implemented, undermining true sovereignty. • Corporate Interests: Governments and corporations could use UNDRIP to further their agendas under the guise of consultation. 🛡️ 2. Dilution of Traditional Governance • Incompatibility: UNDRIP’s Western legal frameworks may not align with Indigenous governance systems based on spirituality and oral traditions. • Control Over Culture: Governments may regulate or commodify Indigenous cultural practices. 🌍 3. UN Involvement in Local Affairs • Global Agendas: UNDRIP could force Indigenous nations to align with global policies that don’t serve their best interests. • Weak Enforcement: The declaration depends on state cooperation, allowing for selective or diluted implementation. ⚖️ 4. Legal Ambiguity • Non-Binding Nature: UNDRIP is not legally binding, allowing states to support it without taking meaningful action. • Exploitation of Loopholes: Vague wording may allow states to bypass the protection of Indigenous rights. ⚔️ 5. Dividing Indigenous Communities • Internal Conflict: UNDRIP may unintentionally divide Indigenous communities between those who support it and those who view it as external imposition. • Top-Down Approach: Decisions may be made by external powers, excluding grassroots Indigenous voices. In conclusion, while UNDRIP claims to support Indigenous rights, it may open the door to further colonization and external control. Indigenous communities must remain vigilant to ensure it doesn’t limit their sovereignty or serve external interests. 💡 Time for critical reflection: How is UNDRIP really being used? #IndigenousRights #Sovereignty #UNDRIP #TrojanHorse #IndigenousSovereignty #IndigenousCommunities #CriticalAnalysis #IndigenousGovernance #Colonization #IndigenousLeadership #IndigenousPeoples #CorporateColonialism
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✋Interested in #indigenouspeoples and #humanrights? @IWGIA published the 38th edition of the Indigenous World, 🙌 Download it at http://bit.ly/2nTAsKO - Curious about developments in South Africa? 👉: https://bit.ly/4c2TIrP The Indigenous World 2024 report by IWGIA highlights the status and ongoing challenges of the San and Khoekhoe peoples in South Africa. These communities continue to face significant issues, such as: Historical Land Injustices: Many Indigenous communities still await the resolution of historical land claims, which leaves them without secure access to their ancestral territories and impacts their cultural and economic activities. Insufficient Legal Recognition: The San and Khoekhoe peoples are not formally recognized under national legislation, which hampers their ability to assert their rights and obtain necessary resources. Cultural Marginalization: Indigenous languages and cultural practices are under threat, with limited efforts to preserve and promote these vital aspects of their heritage, leading to a loss of cultural identity. Economic Exclusion: High levels of poverty prevail among Indigenous communities, who face barriers to accessing economic opportunities and resources, exacerbating their marginalization. Environmental Threats: Industrial activities such as mining and large-scale agriculture pose significant risks to traditional lands, causing environmental degradation that affects the livelihoods and well-being of Indigenous populations. The report underscores the urgent need for policies that recognize and protect Indigenous rights, ensuring their inclusion in sustainable development efforts.
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A new legislative proposal could harm fundamental rights and silence NGOs fighting for Indigenous rights in Peru. If enacted, these legislative changes would give the government the power to sanction organizations fighting for Indigenous rights and more, potentially leading to abuse and arbitrariness. "The legislative proposal represents a serious risk to the fundamental rights of freedom of association and assembly, expression, and participation recognized in the Political Constitution, as it aims to criminalize and silence organizations when we defend our positions on the protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples in the media,” according to a statement by the Inter-Ethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Jungle (AIDESEP). AIDESEP is one of Nia Tero’s Indigenous partners representing 2,439 Indigenous communities, 109 federations, and nine regional organizations. Nia Tero is committed to working alongside Indigenous Peoples in the Amazon to strengthen, amplify, and maintain guardianship of 69 million hectares of thriving territories. Through long-term trusted partnerships, we support 36 Indigenous organizations and their trusted allies in exercising their territorial rights, bolstering governance of their communities, and asserting their own vision of well-being. https://bit.ly/4dfsuPe #Indigenous #IndigenousGuardians #IndigenousGuardianship #Amazon #IndigenousPeoples #IndigenousCulture #IndigenousRights #AmazonRainforest #Amazonia #NiaTero
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Pursuant to resolution 51/16 of the Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples will dedicate his forthcoming thematic report to the topic ²The Situation of Mobile Indigenous Peoples². The report will review the challenges faced by mobile Indigenous Peoples, and the initiatives undertaken by States, Indigenous Peoples and other stakeholders to recognize and respect their rights. The report will address the situation of pastoralists, herders, hunter-gatherers, shifting agriculturalists, seafaring/maritime peoples and other mobile peoples who self-identify as Indigenous under international human rights law, such as Sami reindeer herders in northern Scandinavia, Bedouins in the Middle East and Maasai pastoralists in eastern Africa. At least 500 million people worldwide identify as pastoralists. [1] In some cases, States have failed to affirm the Indigenous status of self-identifying mobile peoples, instead characterizing them as ethnic minorities or claiming that all people are Indigenous to the country. The itinerant or semi-itinerant lifestyles of mobile and semi-mobile Indigenous Peoples are deeply rooted in historical, ecological, and cultural factors. Their livelihoods often “depend on common property use of natural resources,” “where mobility is both a distinctive source of cultural identity and a management strategy for sustainable resource use and conservation.” [2] As Indigenous Peoples increasingly migrate to urban areas,[3] the specific needs and rights of mobile Indigenous Peoples are often overlooked. Understanding the complexities of their way of life is crucial for protecting their human rights. The Special Rapporteur is particularly interested in receiving inputs on any or all of the following issues, including case studies and specific examples of best practices led by Indigenous Peoples as well as initiatives taken by States, international organizations and other entities. Land and resource rights; Political, economic and social rights; Identity, recognition and culture and Good practices.
Mobile Indigenous Peoples
un.arizona.edu
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Indigenous Peoples, inheritors of pre-colonial cultures and territories, have long fought for their rights. Being grouped under the broad and vague label of "local communities" poses a risk of reversing the strides they've achieved in their struggle for recognition, particularly in their struggle to assert their national identity and self-determination over their territories and communities. #IndigenousPeoples #UNDRIP #IndigenousRights #UNPFII https://lnkd.in/gVc3CQys
IPLC: The acronym that is keeping Indigenous advocates up at night
grist.org
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Reconciliation and self-determination are critical steps toward justice and equity for Indigenous peoples. However, these initiatives remain contentious for certain sectors of society. Resistance often stems from a variety of concerns, both economic and ideological, that reflect deeper issues of national identity, historical accountability, and resource allocation. From an economic standpoint, there is apprehension about the potential impact on industries and land use. Some worry that recognising Indigenous land rights and granting greater autonomy could disrupt current land management practices and economic activities, particularly in mining, agriculture, and forestry. The fear is that such changes could lead to stricter regulations, increased costs, and potential loss of access to valuable resources. Ideologically, there is a significant portion of the population that struggles with the concept of self-determination for Indigenous peoples. For these individuals, the idea of granting autonomy and recognising the sovereignty of Indigenous nations challenges long-held perceptions of national unity and territorial integrity. There is a reluctance to fully acknowledge historical injustices and their ongoing impacts, stemming from a desire to maintain a cohesive national narrative that often marginalises or overlooks Indigenous histories and rights. This perspective is sometimes rooted in a fear that addressing these issues too openly could lead to a sense of division or guilt that undermines national pride. Additionally, some express concern about the potential legal and social implications of self-determination. They worry that increased autonomy could lead to a fragmented legal system with different rules and regulations applying in different areas, creating complexities and potential conflicts in governance. This apprehension extends to fears of precedence, where granting self-determination to Indigenous groups could inspire other minority groups to seek similar recognition, potentially leading to a more fragmented society. Moreover, there is often a lack of understanding or misinformation about what reconciliation and self-determination entail. Some view these initiatives as zero-sum, believing that gains for Indigenous peoples necessarily mean losses for non-Indigenous populations. This misunderstanding fuels resistance, as it overlooks the potential for mutually beneficial outcomes where both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities can thrive together. If the Premier of Victoria, the Hon Jacinta Allan can say Aboriginal Sovereignty was never ceded and the sky does not fall. Surely in this era 'Now More Than Ever' Victorian’s and Australian’s too can better inform themselves. #Reconciliation #SelfDetermination #TruthAndReconciliation #IndigenousSovereignty #AboriginalRights #IndigenousJustice #CulturalHeritage #IndigenousVoices #HistoricalJustice #IndigenousLeadership #FirstNations #SupportIndigenous #EquityAndJustice #Decolonise
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Bolivia, a landlocked country in South America, is known for its rich indigenous heritage, diverse geography, and significant natural resources, particularly its vast reserves of lithium. It has a history marked by political and social struggles, but it also possesses a unique cultural richness due to its large indigenous population and a strong sense of identity. Key Aspects of Bolivia: 1. Economy: Bolivia's economy is heavily reliant on its natural resources, particularly natural gas, oil, and minerals like zinc, tin, and, most notably, lithium. The country holds some of the world’s largest lithium reserves, primarily in the Salar de Uyuni, a salt flat in the Andean region. With the global demand for lithium increasing due to its use in batteries for electric vehicles, Bolivia has significant potential to become a key player in the energy sector. Despite its natural wealth, Bolivia remains one of the poorest countries in South America. The country has implemented policies aimed at reducing poverty and increasing state control over key industries, especially during the presidency of Evo Morales (2006–2019). 2. Political Landscape: Bolivia's political scene has been shaped by deep divisions between its indigenous majority and the European-descended elite, as well as between rural and urban areas. Evo Morales, Bolivia’s first indigenous president, led the country from 2006 to 2019 and was known for his socialist policies and focus on indigenous rights. Under Morales, the government nationalized key industries, reduced poverty, and increased social spending. However, Morales’ decision to run for a fourth term in 2019, despite a constitutional limit, sparked widespread protests and allegations of electoral fraud. This led to his resignation and the subsequent political crisis, during which Jeanine Áñez briefly assumed the presidency. In 2020, Morales' party, Movement for Socialism (MAS), returned to power with the election of Luis Arce, a former finance minister under Morales, signaling a continuation of the leftist policies initiated by Morales. 3. Indigenous Rights and Identity: Bolivia has one of the largest indigenous populations in Latin America, with about 40% of the population identifying as indigenous, including the Quechua, Aymara, and Guaraní peoples. Indigenous culture and rights are central to Bolivia's national identity, and the Morales government made significant strides in giving indigenous communities more political representation and legal protections. The 2009 constitution, introduced under Morales, officially recognized Bolivia as a plurinational state, acknowledging the country’s diverse cultures and granting greater autonomy and rights to indigenous groups. 4. Natural Resources and Environmental Issues: Bolivia’s wealth of natural resources has been both a blessing and a source of tension.
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This year the focus will be on the situation of indigenous youth.
📢 We are excited to announce the launch of The Indigenous World 2024 on Tuesday 16 April at 13:15 (NYC time) during the 23rd session of the #UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the UN headquarters in New York City. 📔 This 38th annual edition documents the human rights situation of #IndigenousPeoples and the developments they have experienced in 2023 with a focus on Indigenous Peoples’ #land rights. The Indigenous World 2024 reports these trends through 54 regional and country reports and 17 reports on international processes. 🌐 The Indigenous World 2024 will be available online both in English and Spanish on 16 April here: https://bit.ly/3jwR8k3 👉 More details about the launch event to follow. #UNPFII2024 #WeAreIndigenous
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We’re honouring and celebrating First Nations, Inuit and Métis Youth and their powerful voices as agents of change. Watch this video to learn why the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is important to them and their communities: https://lnkd.in/ee4rXCBW #NIHM2024 #UNDRIP
Our Rights: Indigenous Youth on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
https://www.youtube.com/
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