Indigenous women of Peru demand repeal of the law that arms civilians

Written on 02 August 2022.

BY ONAMIAP FOR DEBATES INDÍGENAS

Under the pretext of fighting against terrorism and drug trafficking, Congress approved, by insistence, Law 31.494, which promotes the arming of civil society groups as a form of self-defense. Indigenous women warned that these armed bands could be used by extractive companies or illegal economies to repress or intimidate the population. The law was passed without the consent of the Indigenous Peoples, violates our autonomy and would overlap with the peasant and rural patrols.

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The Izhora people of Russia: the strength of a people is not in its number

Written on 14 July 2022.

BY DMITRII HARAKKA-ZAITSEV FOR DEBATES INDÍGENAS

A century ago, the Izhora people of Russia numbered about 30,000 individuals, but the repression experienced under Stalinism and multiple wars filled this Indigenous community's history with tragedy. Today, they number less than 1000 and mostly live in some 30 villages in an area close to Russia’s border with Estonia, just a couple of hours drive from Russia’s second largest city, Saint Petersburg. Intensive industrial development on their ancestral territory is posing a serious threat to their survival,  but the Izhora remain strong thanks to their determination to preserve their traditions and defend their land.

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Violence against Indigenous women: a global challenge

Written on 25 July 2022.

BY SIGNE LETH FOR DEBATES INDÍGENAS

Indigenous Women around the world face disproportional levels of violence and harassment due to past and present colonialisation of their territories, and because they are Indigenous and women. They are often subjected to harassment, violence and even killings by representatives of the State, armed opposition and criminal groups. And even in their own communities they are not always safe and are exposed to domestic violence and attacks on their physical integrity and autonomy. But Indigenous women shall not only be portrayed as victims. They are active change agents and important leaders in the struggle for the rights of their peoples.

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Situation of Maasai in Loliondo and Sale in Tanzania dangerous and desperate

Written on 05 July 2022.

According to reliable information received by IWGIA, all village executive officers of the villages affected by government eviction orders were summoned on 24 June to the District Executive Director’s office, where they were instructed to tell the residents of their villages to move out within 24 hours as part of a hurried land grab.

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