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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
For those interested, the full statement and further details on ICO’s recommendations for Indigenous Inclusion are available on our website and LinkedIn page.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact: [email protected]
