Delivered by: Eleanor P. Dictaan – Bang-oa
18 May 2016
Today, we see the destruction of mother earth because of the continuing aggression of consumerism and cash economy within and outside our communities. Most of us are resisting because we still hold on to our notion of stewardship. And this has cost us lives as it will cost us the lives of our children if we do not do something about it. Enough of these human rights violations!
In the light of the full and effective implementation of the UNDRIP and state commitments to the SDGs, Paris Agreement, the CBD, the UN Agencies’ System- Wide Action Plan resulting from the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples of 2014, and human rights, in general, we recommend the following for consideration under “Future Work” :
1. The SDGs or Agenda 2030 and the System-Wide Action Plan be part of the outstanding issues under the “Follow-Up to the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples” theme;
2. Particularly under the SWAP, that there be a special session assessing the implementation of the UNDRIP marking its 10 years of adoption;
Mr. Chairman, members of the UNPF, member states and concerned agencies of the UN, conflict is not just about arms nor is peace its absence. The culture of impunity grossly attacking indigenous peoples rights has to stop. The manipulation of indigenous peoples rights to free prior and informed consent and self-determination by state and business interest has to stop! Sustainable development can only be pursued in an atmosphere of peace where the rights and well-being of indigenous peoples and their communities are secured. And peace comes with healing; healing with justice.
Given the magnitude of human rights issues with high probability of being galvanized in the race to Agenda 2030, we recommend that a full day session be allotted for the UNSRIP to facilitate a dialogue with indigenous peoples and states under the Human Rights agenda item.
Further, we would like to recommend that the theme for the 16th Session of the UNPFII next year be on “Protection of indigenous peoples’ rights defenders and access to justice”. We support earlier recommendations to invite other specific human rights mandate holders, in this regard.
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