UN DESA on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

UN DESA’s Virtual Commemoration on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

KAKALI DAS

The United Nations – Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) organises a Virtual commemoration on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9, 2024, every year.

The theme of this year is “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact” – focusing on the Indigenous Peoples who choose to live in isolation and in early contact with the outside world.

Indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact are the true guardians of some of the world’s most vital ecosystems, including our remaining forests. It is no coincidence that the most biodiverse regions on Earth are home to many of these communities, who live in perfect harmony with the natural environment. These ecosystems not only sustain and protect them, but also offer invaluable lessons for all who are committed to safeguarding our planet.

“Kakali Das, Assistant Editor, Mahabahu participated in the commemoration”- Editor, Mahabahu

By choosing to live separately from the outside world, these Indigenous peoples preserve the freedom to practice their unique cultures and maintain their distinct ways of life. Through the sustainable management of their lands and territories, they contribute significantly to the protection of our planet. However, their very existence is now under threat.

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Rosemary Lane, Acting Chief of the Indigenous Peoples and Development Branch at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, delivered the opening statements highlighting the significance of the day and emphasizing the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact.

The moderator, Luisa Castaneda-Quintana, is the Deputy Director of Land is Life, a global coalition of Indigenous Peoples dedicated to advancing self-determination and collective rights across the world’s seven socio-cultural regions.

Ms. Hindou Omarou Ibrahim, a Chadian environmental activist and geographer specializing in the adaptation and mitigation strategies of Indigenous peoples to climate change, highlighted the threats faced by Indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact. She pointed out that these communities are increasingly endangered by deforestation, illegal mining, agriculture, logging, construction, and other activities on their lands. Ibrahim noted, “External violence to seize their land and resources displaces them, forces contact with other populations, and exposes them to infections with potentially fatal consequences for all the groups involved.”

“As some of the most vulnerable groups on the planet, Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact need our support and respect.”

As the world shifts towards a green economy, there is a growing demand for critical minerals, leading to increased mining on Indigenous lands, including those inhabited by communities in voluntary isolation and initial contact. These issues are significant and concern us all. “As consumers, we have the power to direct our spending and collectively stand against corporate behaviors, holding them accountable for their actions,” said Hindou.

National and international collaboration is crucial to addressing these rights violations and securing greater support for Indigenous rights. This can be achieved through the implementation of educational programs aimed at raising awareness among both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, fostering respect for these cultures.

“We are the essential guardians of the Amazon’s biodiversity. Our livelihoods are deeply rooted in sustainability and respect for nature, significantly contributing to forest and biodiversity conservation. Our ancestral practices in natural resource management enable ecosystem regeneration and species protection. Plans to regenerate biodiversity are invaluable not only for science but also for the strengthening of Indigenous culture,” stated Alicia Cahuiye, Vice President of the Huaorani Nation of Ecuador.

Eduardo Pichilingue Ramos, Director of Fundación Pachamama Peru and former coordinator on the plan for precautionary measures to protect isolated Indigenous peoples at the Ministry of Environment in Ecuador, emphasized the importance of implementing policies and practices that recognize and respect Indigenous territorial and cultural rights.

“This includes the legal protection of our territories, respect for our autonomy, and ensuring that our right to prior and informed consent is upheld in the face of projects that may threaten our lands. These measures are essential to safeguarding our rights.”

José Francisco Cali Tzay, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, emphasized that the decision of Indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact to remain in isolation must be respected.

He stated, “Development projects in the ancestral territories of these communities, or any activities that disrupt their lands without their consent, are difficult to justify as necessary for public well-being. Ensuring the visible survival of Indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact should take precedence over other interests, guided by the principles of precaution.”

(Kakali Das, Assistant Editor, Mahabahu participated in the commemoration)

09-08-2024

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