IWGIA and AIPP condemn the violent response to peaceful protests of Indigenous Peoples in Nepal

Written on 24 May 2023.

The International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) and Asia Indigenous Peoples’ Pact (AIPP) are deeply concerned about the violent response to peaceful protests by the Indigenous Peoples Movement in Nepal causing at least 45 people injured and 1 life claimed in the clashes. Furthermore, 31 were arrested but have been released since. Some are facing criminal charges.

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Maasai delegation to meet European leaders in a bid to end the forced evictions and human rights abuses they are facing in Tanzania

Written on 22 May 2023.

22.05.2023, A high-profile delegation of Maasai representatives starts a tour in several European countries this May, seeking international support to halt the ongoing forced evictions and human rights abuses against the Maasai people in Tanzania.

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The International Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission demands the protection of civilians’ lives in Bandarban

Written on 23 May 2023.

The International Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission (CHTC) is deeply concerned about the ongoing unrest in Bandarban and demands that civilians are protected. According to media reports¹, on 8 May 2023, 3 Bawm men were allegedly killed at Paingkhong Para of Rwangchari Upazila by the same vigilante group that killed another 8 Bawm men last month on 6 April 2023². Local leaders informed the media that none of the deceased had any affiliation with any armed groups³, and one of them, Nemthang Bawm (43), was the president of Number Five Ward of the Awami League (the current ruling party of Bangladesh), Rwangchari⁴.

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The Indigenous World 2023: Indigenous Peoples’ human rights and conservation

Written on 19 April 2023.

IWGIA is proud to have launched The Indigenous World 2023 on 17 April at the 22^nd session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York.

“I want to say that one of the most encouraging things I think, for me, in this book is to read every year about the continued struggle, and how indigenous peoples insist and keep insisting on their rights. To read about the courage and the effort, the movement, the standing together to fight for their rights, which are captured and described in this book, despite the difficult circumstances that many Indigenous Peoples face.” Kathrin Wessendorf, IWGIA Executive Director, said.

IWGIA, alongside co-organiser the Permanent Mission of Denmark to the United Nations, hosted a side event entitled – Indigenous Peoples, their rights and conservation: Ensuring territorial health – as part of the book launch with a panel of distinguished Indigenous and non-indigenous guests and experts.

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