Interactive Hearing on the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples,

June 17 and 18, 2014

(Kieb Ak´aba´l y Oxib K´at)

Moderator of the Interactive Dialogue and Advisor to the President of the General Assembly

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good day

The Global Indigenous Women Caucus, the Indigenous Women International Forum, the Youth Networks, Continental Network of Indigenous Women of the Americas (ECMIA), the Indigenous Women of Mexico and Central America Alliance, affirm that the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples Outcome Document should respect the priorities set in the Alta Document, the Lima Declaration and the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

1. The women of the world reinforce the International Instruments on Human Rights and Rights of Indigenous Peoples as adopted by the United Nations to make way for their implementation with the full and effective participation of women, youth and indigenous peoples.

2. We recommend that the rights, culture and spiritual values be included into the strategies related to development, including the objectives of sustainable development and the Post 2015 Development Agenda of the United Nations.

3. We recommend that States support Indigenous programs to strengthen the capacity of Indigenous young people, including those on the teaching of traditional knowledge, innovations and practices. As well as those on language teaching and the importance of the role of Indigenous Peoples, including the elderly and women as holders of traditional knowledge.

We also recommend that States and agencies, programs and funds of the United Nations respect and promote the right to free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples regarding our traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions.

4. We urge States to reaffirm the rights of Indigenous Peoples to their economic, social and cultural development with due regard to their freedom, identity and the imperative recognition of the right to sustainable development. We further urge States to ensure full, equal and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in the development of mechanisms to ensure that sustainable development based on ecosystems is equitable, non-discriminatory, inclusive, accountable and transparent.

Furthermore, acknowledging that equality, consent and decolonization are important general issues that protect, recognize and respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and are in harmony with the sacredness of Mother Earth.

5. Indigenous Women highlight the need for higher quality education that involves the teaching of our ancestral and traditional knowledge alongside universal learning strategies. We recognize the importance of better education for girls and women in all walks of life. The social and economic effects will ensure a better life, especially concerning the health of indigenous women.

6. Indigenous peoples demand a paradigmatic rethinking of the goodlife, the fullness of life,palu-wala and comprehensive peace. We propose a re-evaluation and the making of a new, joint, sustainable and redistributive economic model, as opposed to companies that turn nature and its resources into business.

7. In order to ensure the sustainability of the programs the reciprocal exchange of resources is important, including resources of indigenous organizations such as materials resources, ancestral knowledge, spiritual knowledge, time and space. Also, any program aimed to achieve the MDG’s and the Post 2015 Agenda should include a territorial and collective approach, including the environment or Mother Earth and be based on the notion of the good life, have an intercultural approach, and be rights-focused. The participation of communities in the management of resources is a tangible example of sustainability.

8. We Women remind the States and the United Nations System the Cairo+20, Beijing+20, Rio+20 and the MDG’s since in many cases they did not have the expected positive impact in relation to the development of indigenous women.

Source: http://www.wcip2014.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/INTERVENCIONES-AUDIENCIA-17-Y-18-JUNIO-14_ENG.pdf

After the 13th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, UN-NGLS interviewed Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, the recently appointed Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, on her priorities as Special Rapporteur and her reflections on the outcomes of the Permanent Forum.

UN-NGLS: As Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, what are some of the main challenges you will face? What are some of your top priorities?

My top priorities include looking at the economic, social and cultural rights of indigenous peoples. This means investigating and understanding what the obstacles are to their enjoyment of these rights and making recommendations on what can be done by nation-states, and also by third parties like corporations. I would also like to monitor how environmental conventions like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) are respecting and promoting the decisions made which are directly relevant to indigenous peoples. For example, how REDD+ safeguards contained in Decision 1/CP.16 of the UNFCCC Conference of Parties held in Cancun, are being addressed and reported; and for the CBD, to monitor the implementation of Article 8J on Traditional Knowledge, Innovations and Practices and other related articles, as well as progress on the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and associated indicators on traditional knowledge. I believe that economic empowerment of indigenous peoples is necessary for their political empowerment and for as long as they are kept in impoverished situations, their lives will not improve, even with all the policies and laws at global and national levels on indigenous peoples’ rights.

UN-NGLS: What is needed to ensure States more effectively implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and respect, protect and fulfil all human rights?

Indigenous peoples should be able to monitor and report effectively on how their rights are not being protected, respected and fulfilled. They should be provided technical, political and financial resources to monitor how States and corporations are performing in this area. UN mechanisms and Treaty Bodies, as well as other multilateral initiatives to monitor respect for indigenous peoples’ human rights should be popularized; information should be disseminated widely about what they do and how indigenous peoples can use them to get their rights respected. UN agencies, programmes and funds, human rights NGOs and academics, as well as other civil society organizations should work closely with indigenous peoples to support them in their struggle for their rights, enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. They should also be supported to get redress for the injustices they suffer through provision of pro-bono legal support, among other measures.

UN-NGLS: What is your evaluation of UN system engagement with indigenous peoples thus far in the processes to define the post-2015 sustainable development agenda? What are your recommendations for strengthening this engagement?

I think there is still a long way to go to the get the post-2015 development agenda to integrate the issues of indigenous peoples. My organization, Tebtebba (Indigenous Peoples’ International Centre for Policy Research and Education) has actively been working on a daily basis to bring the proposals of indigenous peoples to the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (OWG on SDGs) and we are very disappointed with the Outcome Documents that have come out so far. Instead of recognizing indigenous peoples as distinct peoples who have something to contribute to sustainable development, we are being lumped in with marginalized and vulnerable groups. There are even attempts to retreat back in labeling us as “indigenous and local communities.” If we do not mobilize to stop this, we are back into being identified as such. We fought long and hard to get the United Nations to recognize us as “indigenous peoples” so we cannot accept this trend we see in the post-2015 agenda and the OWG on SDGs where we become marginalized and vulnerable groups. We are not denying that many of us are also marginalized and vulnerable but we are peoples with distinct identities, cultures and rights recognized by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) Johannesburg Political Declaration, which was adopted by Heads of States, clearly says “indigenous peoples.” So there is no reason for some States not to recognize this. I think this is a violation of our basic rights to identify who we are and claim our rights contained in international human rights law.

UN-NGLS: How will your work address the intersections between human rights and sustainable development?

Human rights are universal, indivisible and inalienable. Rights to water, to food, to development, to culture and identity, among others are also our rights. For us the intersections between human rights and sustainable development are very clear. Thus, as a Special Rapporteur I will try my best to connect human rights with sustainable development and to look at the most important processes that are defining the next global development agenda. When the Millennium Development Goals were made, there was no reference to indigenous peoples, even though Agenda 21 (adopted at the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio, 1992) and the WSSD Program of Action, among others, already included us. Indigenous peoples are the focus of Chapter 26 of Agenda 21, and the Rio Declaration and Johannesburg Political Declaration mentioned us as key actors in contributing to sustainable development. States and the UN bodies, agencies, programmes and funds need to make more conscious efforts to play their roles in promoting indigenous peoples’ rights and contributions to sustainable development. I think it is also crucial that all of us continue to remind States that the human rights approach to development has to be implemented if we want sustainable development to be realized.

UN-NGLS: Good governance was the special theme of this year’s session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. What were some of the key recommendations for ensuring that indigenous peoples can maintain and improve their individual and collective well-being? What are your reflections on the outcomes of the Permanent Forum?

The work of indigenous peoples to define goals, targets and indicators for indigenous peoples’ well-being, and for development with culture and identity, should be recognized and integrated in the post-2015 development agenda, as well as in other decisions taken by human rights bodies and environment and development bodies. Good governance is a key area that can promote the individual and collective well-being of indigenous peoples. It can ensure better protection and promotion of the rights and operationalization of development with culture and identity of indigenous peoples. We, within Tebtebba and our partners from various parts of the world, call this Indigenous Peoples’ Sustainable, Self-Determined Development.

Good governance for us means ensuring our full and effective participation in decision-making and implementation processes at the local, national, regional and global levels. It means obtaining our free, prior and informed consent when any development project is planned and implemented in our territories. It means respecting our customary laws and governance systems, which are consistent with international human rights standards. It also means leveling the playing field in electoral politics so that there will be a chance for indigenous representatives to become government officials and members of parliament.

Good governance also means States and corporations are accountable and transparent in terms of what they are deciding about and doing in indigenous peoples’ territories. Good governance means States are complying with their human rights obligations and obligations to environmental conventions, especially those which directly relate to indigenous peoples. Good governance means supporting work of indigenous women to empower themselves and also youth to learn more about their peoples’ values, cultures and visions. The role of elders in governance systems should also be respected.

In relation to the outcomes of the recent session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, I think they were able to come up with recommendations which will further strengthen the possibilities for indigenous peoples to pursue their economic, social, cultural and civil and political rights at the country level. There were clear recommendations for some UN agencies, programmes and funds on how they can enhance further their work to support indigenous peoples. For instance, the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s (IFAD) practice of allowing for better indigenous peoples’ participation was highlighted (such as their establishment of the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum), and other UN agencies and funds are encouraged to follow suit.

I was disappointed, though, when the members of the Forum just noted the Expert Group Meeting on Sexual and Reproductive Health. I think they can do better than that. They should welcome this report, as it is their own Expert Group Meeting, and support fully the recommendations that emerged from this process. Violence against indigenous women and girls, discrimination against indigenous women, high rates of maternal mortality, poor access to health services, especially reproductive health services, still remain as major problems for indigenous women. These are the things addressed in that workshop and it is an imperative that the members of the Forum accept all these and support it.

Better coordination and complementarity between the three mechanisms in the UN dealing with indigenous peoples also has to be ensured. The decision to hold meetings to talk about this is good.

Ms. Tauli-Corpuz is an indigenous activist and Founder and Executive Director of Tebtebba Foundation (Indigenous Peoples’ International Centre for Policy Research and Education). She has extensive experience working with governments, civil society actors and in multilateral bodies, including participating in the drafting of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. She has lectured and provided training on international human rights law, indigenous peoples’ rights, women’s rights and climate change, and convened various global and regional networks on these subjects. She served as the Chair of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (2005-2010) and chair of the Board of Trustees for the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations (1995-2005).

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NEW DELHI: Tribal women leaders from cross cultural and geographical boundaries gathered in the capital to reflect on growing violence against tribal women.

In a national Workshop on “The Situation of Tribal Women in India”, held at Indian Social Institute, New Delhi, they discussed on common issues such as discrimination on the basis of their gender and ethnicity, forced displacement, depletion of their natural environment and resources, loss of territories, militarization, maoist violence, trafficking and migration, poverty and denial of socio-cultural rights etc.

Joan Carling, General Secretary of Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), Thailand, who is also a member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) emphasized on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the obligation of states to respect and protect of these rights, including by taking legal measure and implementing programmes to ensure the recognition and enforcement of their rights and for the non-discrimination of tribal people and women in general. There are various policies and guidelines on the promotion, protection and dignity of tribal people’s rights and tribal women’s rights issued by different bodies and mechanisms at the international level like the UN agencies, the World Bank and Asia Development Bank etc. In spite of these gains the ground reality shows a different picture in India. Rights of tribal women are still violated and they have least access to appropriate education, health & infrastructures to support their sustainable livelihood.

Speaking on the situation of tribal domestic workers and trafficking in Delhi, Advocate and Secretary of the Labour Commission said that she alone had handled more than 700 cases of trafficking and rape of young tribal women.

Noted Activists, C K Janu from Kerala, Dr Gina (Manipur), Kheshli (Nagaland), Elina Horo (Jharkhand), Beronica Dung Dung (Odisha) & Mamta Kujur (Chhattisgarh) & other emphasized on the need to have a singular platform where tribal women from all the regions can raise their combined voice and strengthen the tribal women’s movement.

Dr Charuwali Khanna, women rights lawyer and member of National Commission for Women called for recommendations on the study of Women and Land Rights.

Rights of Indigenous Women from CEDAW Perspective

11th June 2012

NEW DELHI: On 2nd day of “National Consultation on the Situation of Tribal Women in India”, at Indian Social Institute, Delhi the tribal women leaders reflected on ensuring rights of Indigenous/Tribal women through UN Mechanism, Convention on Elimination on All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), as India is signatory.

Madhu Mehra, Executive Director of Partners for Law and Development, Delhi briefed the mechanism of CEDAW and its relevance in addressing the issues of tribal women on discrimination and violence related to Domestic violence, Trafficking, Exploitation, Prostitution, Political and Public Life, international representation, Nationality & Identity, Education & Health Care, Social & Economic Rights, Equality Before Law, Social Evil Practices such as witch hunting, child marriage, human sacrifice, honour killings etc.

On the above issues, participants from more than 40 organizations made important recommendations that will be included in the final Shadow report which will be submitted to the CEDAW Committee on behalf of the Inter State Adivasi Women’s Network (ISAWN) and Indigenous Women’s Forum of North East India (IWFNEI). During the 58th Session of the CEDAW, the committee will review India’s progress on implementation and its obligations on 2nd June, 2014.

Source: Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact

‘We indigenous women should not look at ourselves as mere victims. We are also decision makers, leaders and we have the power to be agents of change’

Our Correspondent
New Delhi | June 11

Around eight percent of India’s population consists of Indigenous People, out of which indigenous women make up half of the eight per cent population. The key issues and problems that indigenous women face today are numerous, ranging from poverty to sex trafficking, from displacement to increased workload and from denial of basic health services to the lack of education. 

These core issues were discussed and debated during the ‘National Consultation on the Situation of Indigenous Women: Ways Forward’ which is being held in Delhi at the Indian Social Institute (ISI) from June 10 to 12. An initiative of Indigenous Women Forum of North East India (IWFNEI) and Inter State Adivasi Women’s Network and supported by the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), the national consultation is a first of its kind, where Indigenous women groups from all parts of the country have converged to participate and discuss ways forward for the Indigenous women in India.

“We indigenous women should not look at ourselves as mere victims. We are also decision makers, leaders and we have the power to be agents of change,” said Joan Carling, Secretary General, AIPP and expert member, United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). She presented the key note address, where she stated that despite major achievements to recognize the historical injustice committed against Indigenous People (IP), the reality in the ground shows a different picture. IPs are still part of the poorest of the poor. “Our land and resources are taken away as if we do not exist at all. The multiple discrimination against indigenous women is on the rise especially in sex trafficking and violence against women. However despite of these grim realities, the women are fighting for the violations against women and protecting their land,” she added. Carling urged the women on the need to act as one, understand issues that affects all and engage with the government and others to demand their rights and strengthen solidarity and cooperation. Carling also asserted that she remained inspired not by global leaders but ordinary people who continue to selflessly work for their people.

Key issues of Indigenous Women in Central India, North India, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and the North East were first discussed which was followed by a panel discussion on the issues of land, territories and resource and its impact on Indigenous Women. Further discussions on violence against women and challenges, lessons learned and good practices were held.

The possibilities and opportunities for the advancement of IW was discussed by Charuwali Khanna, member, National Women commission. Khanna stated that the consultation program is a good opportunity to find a solution for common problems and to strengthen the skills and capabilities of Indigenous women. Khanna also pointed out that indigenous women have special needs (they have been displaced and that displacement has often lead to violence) and their problems need to be tackled differently. On being asked on the issue of racial discrimination, Khanna asserted that intolerance in India is increasing and this needs to be stopped. Khanna stated that the first step is to inculcate constitutional values among children in the education system from the basic level.

“Through this consultation program we expect all Indigenous women in India to come together, to connect with each other and get to know each other’s issues,” said Elina Horo, Coordinator of the Adivasi Women’s Network while adding that mainland India does not have much idea about indigenous people’s issues and problems and often national policies are made without taking the IP issues in consideration, where IP and especially women are affected the most.

Around 20 Indigenous groups from Central India, South India, North India and the North East are participating in the national consultation program. The outcome of the forum will be sent to the CEDAW committee for relevant mechanisms on land rights and issues on violence against women.

Source: http://www.morungexpress.com/frontpage/116876.html