IWGIA Statement at the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council

Written on 24 September 2025. Posted in News

Human Rights Council – 60th Session
Item 3 & 5: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Delivered by the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA)
UNHQ -Geneva, 23 September 2025

Thank you, Mr./Madam Chair.

I speak on behalf of the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs.

First, allow me to congratulate Dr. Albert Barume on his appointment as Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We welcome his timely and insightful report on the recognition of Indigenous Peoples—a topic that is both foundational and urgent, especially as we approach the twentieth anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Recognition is not symbolic—it is the cornerstone of the enjoyment of all rights by Indigenous Peoples. As the report rightly states: “Refusal by a State to recognize Indigenous Peoples… does not diminish the rights held by Indigenous Peoples” . Recognition is a legal and moral obligation under international law.

We commend the Special Rapporteur’s analysis of the adverse impacts of conflating Indigenous Peoples with local communities. This conflation creates confusion, rather than focus on the distinct collective rights of Indigenous Peoples including the right to self-determination as enshrined in the UNDRIP. As the report warns, such confusion may undermine the distinct rights of Indigenous Peoples. IWGIA believes it is essential to maintain a clear distinction to prevent dilution and retrogression of Indigenous Peoples rights.

Indigenous Peoples have the right to self-identify as such. Non-recognition must never be used as an excuse to disregard their rights, which are clearly affirmed in international human rights frameworks, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

We welcome the regional contextualization of recognition of Indigenous Peoples in Africa and Asia. The report highlights how persistent misunderstandings continue to hinder recognition. The Special Rapporteur’s recommendations are vital to address these gaps and guide legal and policy reforms.

We also encourage the Special Rapporteur to consider “forced assimilation” as a future thematic focus. These practices continue to threaten Indigenous identities, cultures, and institutions. A thematic report could shed light on these violations and support States in adopting remedial measures.

As the mandate is up for renewal this year, we stress its continued relevance. For over two decades, it has played a pivotal role in advancing Indigenous Peoples’ rights. In today’s world, defending and protecting Indigenous Peoples rights is more crucial than ever.

Yet current financial constraints threaten its effectiveness. Budget cuts risk limiting its ability to respond to urgent human rights violations faced by Indigenous Peoples. We urge Member States to ensure adequate and sustained funding.

Thank you.

>> You can find the latest report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the recognition of Indigenous Peoples here

Tags: Human rights