Peoples’ Cordillera Day 2025 Solidarity Message from IWGIA

Written on 25 April 2025.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) extends our warmest greetings of solidarity to all the participants of the 41st Peoples’ Cordillera Day celebrations. Unfortunately, this year we will not be able to attend the important celebration and summit in person. However, we are with you in spirit, and are pleased to at least share our solidarity through this message.

Peoples’ Cordillera Day is a strong manifestation of the unity of Indigenous Peoples in the Cordillera region and of your determination to continue the struggle for genuine self-determination manifested in the theme of the event for 2025 “Assert Peoples' Rights, Persist in the Struggle for Self-Determination, Advance the Politics of Change”

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IWGIA fears alarming impact of USA cuts on global human rights protections and Indigenous Peoples’ rights

Written on 18 February 2025.

Recent developments confirm that the U.S. government is making significant reductions in its financial contributions to the United Nations Human Rights system, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The scope of these reductions, while not yet fully detailed, is expected to have a severe impact on the UN human rights system.

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Bangladesh: Perpetuating Impunity and Exclusion of Indigenous Peoples

Written on 24 February 2025.

58^th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council
Geneva, 24 February – 4 April 2025
Agenda item 3- General Debate
Written statement submitted by the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA)

On 5^th August 2024, the government of Bangladesh led by then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fell in the face of a massive anti-discrimination movement by the students. It was hailed as a revolution and an Interim Government headed by Dr Mohammed Yunus was sworn in. However, Indigenous Peoples in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) region and elsewhere have been facing increased human rights violations mostly with impunity under Dr Yunus government.

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A letter to Chief Adviser, Interim Government of Bangladesh to take urgent action on violent attacks on Indigenous students

Written on 31 January 2025.

Honourable Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus,

We, the undersigned organisations and individuals, would like to bring to your attention, our concern on the recent violent attacks on the Indigenous student protestors during a peaceful protest in relation to the removal of an artwork from the back of a school textbook with the word “Adivasi” (Indigenous). The inclusion and recognition of Indigenous Peoples in the school textbook was an outcome of the movement led by Indigenous Peoples of Bangladesh and a step applauded by many. We condemn the violent attacks on Indigenous protestors and urge for prompt justice for the victims and the restoration of the artwork in the textbook.

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