New report details indigenous peoples’ struggle for land rights |


The latest version of The state of the world’s indigenous people The report examines the challenges that societies face in asserting their rights to land, whether in the context of agribusiness, extractive industries, development, conservation and tourism.

United Nations chief economist Elliott Harris speaks at the hypothetical launch event in New York.

Earth Faithful

Mr. Harris is Assistant Secretary-General in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (villageWho issued the report.

Aboriginal people are often described as being “Keepers of Earth’s Precious Resources”, The Department of Economic and Social Affairs said. Their traditional knowledge of the land, and territorial rights, is gaining wider recognition as countries grapple with the impacts of climate change.

Just over five years ago, governments adopted it 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Which lays out a roadmap for a safer and more equitable future for all people and the planet through Sustainable Development Goals (Sustainable Development Goals).

Although the 17 Sustainable Development Goals address key indigenous concerns, they still fall short in some respects, Mr. Harris told reporters.

“For example , Agenda 2030 It does not fully recognize collective rights in relation to land and resources, or health, education, culture and lifestyles, ”he said.“ However, collective rights lie at the core of Indigenous communities. ”

Land disputes are escalating

Mr. Harris clarified other serious challenges, noting that indigenous peoples’ rights to lands, territories and resources in many parts of the world are still limited or not recognized. Even when legal support is in place, implementation often stalls or is inconsistent.

He added that indigenous rights activists also faced massive risks and reprisals for defending their lands, ranging from criminalization and harassment to assault and murder.

Ann Norgham, Chair of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, stated that there was an increase in instances of encroachment on indigenous lands and territories during Covid-19 Pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

“The sources of conflict are many, from resource extraction, logging and land to renewable energy sources and agribusinesses to conflict between indigenous pastoralists, nomadic pastoralists and farmers over shrinking grazing lands due to war, the effects of climate change as well as from protected areas,” she said in a statement read at launch.

“The lack of respect for the principle and meaning of free, prior and informed consent by both governments and the private sector continues unabated.”

The role of the data

The UN report concludes with many recommendations for national authorities in their pursuit of the sustainable development goals.

The authors advise states to include recognition of indigenous peoples’ customary rights to their lands and resources in data on secure land tenure rights.

Governments are also being urged to collect better data, disaggregated by ethnicity and indigenous identity, so that the challenges facing specific indigenous communities are more accurately reflected in the SDG reports.

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