Windel Bolinget: "We must not allow States to monopolize the Universal Periodic Review"

Written on 24 January 2023.

BY LOLA GARCÍA-ALIX FOR DEBATES INDÍGENAS

During his first participation in one of the sessions of the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and before the review of the State of the Philippines started, Windel Bolinget, General Coordinator of the organization Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA), warned that the government has not complied with the recommendations made by the UPR in previous reviews. While the indigenous leader stresses the importance of the process, he regrets that indigenous peoples cannot speak at the official level.  Despite the fact that the government of the Philippines has so far ignored all the recommendations previously made, Windel Bolinget is betting on maintaining his hope that the international community will put a stronger pressure into the Philippine government to comply with its obligations to respect and protect human rights, and in particular the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Continue Reading

Nepal: Stop State brutality against the Tamang Indigenous Peoples and Locals

Written on 19 January 2023.

Stop the construction of Tamakoshi-Kathmandu 220/400 kV Transmission Line Project in Shankharapur-3, Kathmandu

We, the undersigned organizations and individuals, strongly condemn the ongoing repression by Nepal’s police and armed police forces on the Indigenous Tamang and other locals in Bojheni village, Shankharapur Municipality Ward no. 3 in the northeast of Kathmandu for the construction of Tamakoshi-Kathmandu 200/400 kV Transmission Line and its substation.

Continue Reading

Expectations and uncertainties for Latin America's Indigenous Peoples as a new year begins

Written on 20 January 2023.

The end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023 finds Indigenous Peoples in Latin America shaken by an escalation of political and social conflicts that threatens the effective implementation of their rights. We examine some of the main events that have taken place over the last days and weeks in Brazil, Peru and Colombia, their implications for Indigenous Peoples and the resistance agenda of Indigenous movements and organisations in the face of intensifying conflicts in the region.

Continue Reading

Urgent Call for Endorsement of Statement on Nepal: Stop State brutality against the Tamang Indigenous Peoples and Locals

Written on 13 January 2023.

The Indigenous Tamang community in Nepal has been engaged in a protracted struggle against a power transmission line and power station that is being forced onto their land without their Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). The protest started three years ago and has now dangerously intensified over the past two weeks with armed police and military entering the area. So far, nine Indigenous persons have been arrested and several have been injured. 

Continue Reading