IWGIA, AIPP and LAHURNIP condemn the arbitrary designation of legitimate Indigenous Peoples human rights defenders as terrorists by Philippine authorities

Written on 14 September 2023.

The Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) of the Philippines has arbitrarily designated Indigenous Peoples’ human rights defenders Windel Bolinget, Jennifer Awingan, Sarah Abellon-Alikes and Steve Tauli – all leaders of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) – as “terrorist individuals” in Resolution Number 41 (2023) issued by the ATC, as part of the powers granted by the Anti-Terrorism Law of 2020.

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Indigenous Peoples assert their rights at the Africa Climate Summit

Written on 04 September 2023.

4 September 2023 - The Africa Climate Summit commenced today in Nairobi, Kenya. The three-day summit aims to drive green growth and solutions for Africa and the world. Indigenous Peoples are represented by delegates from 20 countries advocating for their rights in climate action.

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Nicaragua: justice takes time but it comes

Written on 07 September 2023.

MAYANGNA WAHAINI RAMHNI TANI (MAWARAT) FOR DEBATES INDÍGENAS

The struggle of indigenous peoples for their land rights has brought about an increase in acts of violence by invading settlers. The Alal Massacre and the attack on Kiwakumbaih mine workers are the two most emblematic acts. Instead of dismantling the criminal gangs operating in the region, the National Police and the Judiciary system have criminalized Mayangna indigenous people and named them responsible for the murders, massacres and destruction of property. However, a complaint brought to the international level at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights was successful in demanding the release of the Mayangnas unjustly detained because of violations to their right to due process.

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Philippines: gold mining and Indigenous Peoples in the Cordillera

Written on 31 August 2023.

BY JILL K. CARIÑO FOR DEBATES INDÍGENAS

The ancestral practices of Indigenous Peoples use extraction methods that respect nature and strengthen the community by distributing the benefits. Although they were able to resist the Spanish colonizers, during the 20th century they were overwhelmed by US companies that introduced toxic substances and large-scale mining. These contrast with the government’s mining policy that allowed the proliferation of large mining companies that degraded the environment and affected the living and working conditions of Indigenous Peoples.

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