We share news linked to global processes, the indigenous peoples' movement and IWGIA's work in countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Find news, interviews, human rights alerts, new publications and reports here.
Oil exploitation in the region of Loreto has affected the environment, the roles of the ecosystems, health, and the ways of life of indigenous communities. The Quechua, Achuar, Urarina, Kichwa, and Kukama peoples, together known as the Puinamudt organization, are fighting for their right to prior consultation to be respected in view of the forthcoming concession for an operator to exploit Lot 192.
While awaiting a referendum to approve their statute and initiate the new Indigenous Autonomous Government, the communities need to improve the management of their territory and natural resources. The territory's high biodiversity and the communities' livelihoods are being threatened by illegal logging, poaching and fishing, as well as the construction of a road that is facilitating illegal access to the territory.
Photo: Community of San Antonio del Cuverene. Photo: Fátima Monasterio
As an autonomous people from the Ecuadorian Upper Amazon, they organize their community life under the principles of the Sumak Kawsay. At the same time, they are undergoing a renovation and strengthening process in their organization to be able to fully exercise their rights. Their main concern is to protect their territory: their forest, their water, and their ways of life in harmony with their surroundings.
IWGIA and AIPP submission on the draft general comment on Land and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights -
Submitted to CESCR 11-08-2021
IWGIA and AIPP welcome the opportunity to make comments and inputs to the draft general comment on Land and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The right to land is fundamental for the livelihoods, food security, identity and very survival of the world's more than 450 million Indigenous People, and it is therefore very important that the unique dimensions of Indigenous Peoples’ land rights feature clearly in the general comment. While some references to Indigenous Peoples are made in the draft document, IWGIA and AIPP believe that these should be strengthened and further developed.
Press release - New alarming UN climate change report coincides with the World Indigenous Peoples Day
9 August 2021
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has today published part one of its Sixth Assessment Report. It observes that green house gas concentrations are “unequivocally caused by human activities” and that already all regions of the world are impacted by the effects of climate change.
The human rights organisation International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) expresses deep concern. It is telling that the report’s release coincides with the World Indigenous Peoples Day as Indigenous Peoples around the world are at the frontline of climate action and among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Indigenous Peoples are stewards of nature and have been ringing the alarm of climate change for decades. They need to be listened to in global climate action.
IWGIA - International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs - is a global human rights organisation dedicated to promoting, protecting and defending indigenous peoples’ rights. Read more.
Indigenous World
IWGIA's global report, the Indigenous World, provides an update of the current situation for indigenous peoples worldwide. Read The Indigenous World.
