UN Forum Highlights Ongoing Challenges Faced by Indigenous Peoples

At the opening of the 24th United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, held at UN Headquarters in New York, Indigenous leaders, Member States, and UN officials gathered to address the persistent exclusion of Indigenous Peoples from decisions impacting their lands, cultures, and futures, UN website reported.

Chair Aluki Kotierk emphasized the urgent need to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and to include Indigenous governance systems in policymaking.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the hardships faced by Indigenous communities “an affront to dignity and justice,” expressing deep personal sorrow. He highlighted the particular struggles of Indigenous women, who face barriers to political participation, economic opportunities, and essential services.

Discussions during the two-week forum will focus on sustainability, equity, and social justice. Philemon Yang, President of the General Assembly, stressed that persistent human rights violations, including the persecution of Indigenous women and unregulated resource extraction, require urgent and sustained attention to ensure Indigenous Peoples’ rights and leadership are fully respected worldwide.