The International Disability Alliance celebrates the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This year, we look forward to the annual thematic report of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which will be focused on the rights of indigenous persons with disabilities. We highly value the inclusive and participatory process for the development of this report, led by OHCHR, including organizations of persons with disabilities such as the International Disability Alliance, and networks such as the Indigenous Persons with Disabilities Global Network (IPWDGN).
IDA recognizes the increase in the number of references to indigenous persons with disabilities are found in many important resolutions pertaining to the rights of indigenous persons, which is a direct impact of the advocacy being undertaken that is informed by OPDs of indigenous persons with disabilities. For example, the Human Rights Council resolution on Human rights and indigenous peoples of October 2023, and the General Assembly resolution on the Rights of Indigenous peoples of December 2023, which both recognize the need for States to respond to the requirements of indigenous persons with disabilities and also for the UN system to make all processes and proceedings on indigenous peoples accessible to persons with disabilities. A decade on from the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, we remain deeply concerned at the systemic marginalization and exclusion of indigenous persons with disabilties, including in UN processes. We hope that the ongoing process to consider how to enhance participation of indigenous peoples in the UN, pursuant to the WCIP outcome document, will be fully implemented in the near future, and in a way that is accessible for all.
The theme of this year is “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact”. This raises human rights issues of central importance to all – autonomy, independence, self-determination, security of person and liberty. In essence, it is the right to be who we are without interference from the State.
Here are the reflections of the representatives of the networks and organizations of indigenous persons with disabilities on this year’s theme:
"To align with this year's theme, I fully support and strongly urge states to implement the UNDRIP declaration, ensuring the protection of Indigenous peoples and the consistent application of the rule of law to uphold the fundamental human rights of Indigenous persons with disabilities. This must be done in alignment with the CRPD Convention to guarantee the rights of all persons with disabilities". - Manase Ntutu, Chair, Indigenous Persons with Disabilities Global Network
“Today we want to be recognized, not as Indigenous Peoples or Persons with disabilities but as Indigenous peoples and women with disabilities because we have unique identities. Being in the lowest spectrum of the society today, our issues need to be heard, realized and implemented by member states including relevant stakeholders keeping us on the table where decisions are made on the issues that impact our daily lives." - Pratima Gurung, General Secretary, Indigenous Persons with Disabilities Global Network
