News

Date: July 12, 2024

Event: United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) 17th Session

Location: Palais des Nations, Geneva

International Communities Organisation (ICO) hosted a side event at the 17th Session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP). 

The event, entitled “Indigenous Inclusion at the United Nations,” marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to ensure meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples in global decision-making.

The event was chaired by Ms. Mia Sawjani, United Nations Programme Manager at ICO, who set the tone for the day with her opening remarks: “It is our hope that this event will contribute to historic and ongoing efforts to raise pertinent issues to the attention of UN bodies about how they may foster the meaningful inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making consultations and interventions.”

A Collaborative and Constructive Dialogue

The keynote address was delivered by His Excellency Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th United Nations General Assembly. His powerful address stated: “United in our efforts to prosper and progress. United in overcoming conflict and calamity. United in countering desperation and instilling hope. United in addressing hate.” Mr. Shahid’s commitment to Indigenous rights was tangible, reaffirming ICO’s dedication to ensuring Indigenous voices are heard and their rights upheld.

Dr. Fernand de Varennes, Former UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, and Mr. Charlie Grant, Head of ICO’s General Assembly, also made significant contributions.

Dr. Varennes highlighted the nexus between various rights and issues, stating, “There is a Special Rapporteur for Indigenous People, but there are also other rapporteurs involved in issues related to indigenous peoples, including those focused on the environment or freedom of religion and my own mandate, minority. This has brought greater visibility to the issue and seeks to raise and increase indigenous inclusion among different members.” 

In order to facilitate the participation of Indigenous Peoples, ICO GA members who are unable to attend this year’s Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous People, ICO has coordinated an Indigenous ‘Joint Statement’ by collecting inputs and recommendations from our GA members. In his speech, Mr Grant presented the Joint Statement, highlighting a number of key recommendations, including how a permanent seat for Indigenous representation at the Human Rights Council will facilitate the leadership of Indigenous Peoples into global decision-making processes.

Inspiring Voices and Powerful Messages

Event panellists included Indigenous Peoples representatives: Ms. Liudmyla Korotkykh from the Crimean Tatar Resource Center, Mr. Brijlal Chaudhari, President of Global Home for Indigenous Peoples, and Mr. Olimjon Bakhtaliev from the Pamiri Indigenous Peoples Association. fTheir presentations emphasised the urgent need for legal measures at the national level to protect Indigenous rights in accordance with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). 

The discussions culminated in an open forum where attendees engaged in a collaborative dialogue, addressing key issues such as the effectiveness of international human rights instruments.

A Vision for the Future

The Joint Statement aims to enhance the inclusion, protection, and decision-making powers of Indigenous communities at the United Nations and will be a foundation point for our continued advocacy efforts.

Recommendations include:

1. Securing a permanent Indigenous seat at the Human Rights Council, 
2. Enhancing language accessibility, 
3. Implementing legal measures at the national level in accordance with UNDRIP    
4. Allowing direct access to ICJ
5. Mitigating impacts of energy projects on Indigenous territories,  
6. Striving for Indigenous justice and ensuring fair procedures for conflict resolution, land grabbing and accountability. 

This event is not just a meeting but a movement towards ensuring that Indigenous Peoples are not just seen but heard, respected, and included in the global dialogue. As His Excellency Mr. Abdulla Shahid concluded, “Let us work together to build a future where nations coexist peacefully and the well-being of all peoples is at the forefront of our collective endeavours”.

Next Steps

By launching the ICO Joint Statement and advocating for structural reforms, such as a permanent Indigenous seat at the Human Rights Council, the event highlighted the commitment to ensuring Indigenous voices are heard and respected. The collaborative dialogue and diverse perspectives emphasised the urgency of protecting Indigenous rights at both national and international levels. Ultimately, this landmark event aimed to foster a future where Indigenous Peoples voices are heard and respected within the UN system, as articulated by His Excellency Mr. Abdulla Shahid’s call for unity and cooperation.

The ICO General Assembly Indigenous advocacy work will centre upon the key reforms and recommendations of the Joint Statement, led by the ICO ‘Indigenous Working Group.’

Date: July 10, 2024

Event: United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) 17th Session

Location: Palais des Nations, Geneva

Delivered by: Charlie Grant, Representative of  International Communities Organisation

International Communities Organisation (ICO) recently submitted a compelling statement at the 17th session of the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP). This statement, focused on Item 9, discussed enhancing the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the United Nations. Delivered by Charlie Grant,  ICO’s representative, the statement highlighted significant progress and outlined future steps for ensuring meaningful Indigenous inclusion within UN frameworks.

In order to facilitate the participation of Indigenous ICO GA members who are unable to attend this year’s Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous People, ICO has delivered coordinated an Indigenous ‘Joint Statement’ based on the by collecting inputs and recommendations from our Indigenous GA members. The Joint Statement aims to enhance the inclusion, protection, and decision-making powers of Indigenous communities at the United Nations and will be a foundation point for our continued advocacy efforts.

ICO’s General Assembly and its Reach

The ICO General Assembly comprises over 70 Indigenous community leaders, activists, and minority groups from more than 25 countries, representing over 45 civil society organisations. 

Recognising international best practices’

The Joint statement acknowledges successful international practices benefiting Indigenous Peoples:

• The establishment of a full-time focal point for Indigenous Peoples by the United Nations Environmental Programme.
• The UN Voluntary Fund, which provides financial assistance to Indigenous Peoples to enhance their participation within UN systems.
• The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), which has made significant strides in reducing information barriers, promoting Indigenous media representation, and prioritising the rights of Indigenous women.

Proposed Areas for Development

1. Permanent Indigenous Representation at the Human Rights Council
   • ICO advocates for a permanent seat for Indigenous representation at the Human Rights Council to facilitate Indigenous leadership in global decision-making processes.
2. Legal Protection of Indigenous Rights
   •  ICO calls for national-level legal measures in line with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), supported by UN oversight, to ensure unambiguous protection of Indigenous rights.
3. Addressing Barriers to Access and Participation
   •  ICO emphasises the need to recognise and address barriers to access and participation in international forums. This includes facilitating language accessibility, providing travel grants and digital inclusion, and expanding accreditation beyond NGOs with ECOSOC status.
4. Language Inclusivity
   • The creation of ontology translation spaces where Indigenous experts can translate concepts from their native languages into official UN languages is crucial for effective communication and representation.
5. Ensuring Indigenous Justice
   •  ICO calls for comprehensive protection of Indigenous Peoples’ right to access fair procedures for conflict resolution, land disputes, and accountability for crimes, without bureaucratic delays.

In conclusion, while recognising the significant progress made,  ICO urgently calls for renewed efforts and structural reforms to ensure the meaningful inclusion of Indigenous Peoples at the United Nations. ICO remains committed to advocating for these changes, and working collaboratively with all stakeholders to achieve these goals 

The presentation of the Joint Statement at EMRIP does not represent an achievement for the ICO General Assembly. Instead it is a foundation which we will use to work towards achieving its goals, as set out by the Indigenous contributors themselves.

Full Statement Available

For those interested, the full statement and further details on ICO’s recommendations for Indigenous Inclusion are available on our website and LinkedIn page.

https://internationalcommunities.org/blog/ico-statement-at-the-un-item-9-debate/