The serves as a vital platform for Indigenous Peoples, to engage in dialogue with Member States and the UN system, culminating in a report providing recommendations to advance the rights of Indigenous Peoples. At a time when civic space is shrinking, financial constraints are growing, and progress seems to be slowing, the purpose of the Forum is even more critical to the promotion and defense of the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The full, effective, and meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples in relevant UN bodies and mechanisms is critical to ensuring Indigenous Peoples have a voice in matters that directly affect them. We hear about the barriers to this participation every year at the Forum directly from Indigenous Peoples. Creating spaces for Indigenous Peoples to participate in formal processes must be supported by direct financing to ensure their participation is effective and meaningful.
This will explore the theme, ¡°Ensuring Indigenous Peoples¡¯ health, including in the context of conflict¡±. As Indigenous Peoples, we consider health and well-being as more than just physical and mental health: It is interconnected with culture, spirituality, our lands and our environment.
The health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples must be understood and initiatives developed in a holistic way. A continued threat to the health of Indigenous Peoples, is conflict in all forms. ?Implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the UNDRIP) at the regional and national levels contributes to the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples.
Looking ahead, 2027 marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the UNDRIP. The UNDRIP was a true triumph for justice and recognition of Indigenous Peoples, as distinct rights holders.
It sets a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, well-being and dignity of Indigenous Peoples. Yet, its implementation has been uneven. It is our collective obligation, as society, as Member States, the UN system, and Indigenous Peoples, to see the UNDRIP promoted and implemented, across the world, to achieve its ends.
About the Author:
Aluki Kotierk is the?Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. This text originally appeared in?DESA¡¯s .?The views expressed are the author¡¯s and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of DESA.
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