Inspiration
Historic Violation of Indigenous Rights
Indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years, yet throughout history, their rights have always been violated. They’re more likely to suffer from malnutrition, and often lack adequate social protection and economic resources. The life expectancy of indigenous people is as much as 20 years lower than that of their non-indigenous counterparts. Often lacking adequate healthcare and information, they are more likely to get diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and AIDS. They also constantly struggle for recognition of their identities, their ways of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources. Further, indigenous communities are integral to the conservation of forests and wildlife. However, increasing effects of global climate change will acutely threaten their livelihood and survival. A common underlying challenge for indigenous peoples across the globe has been lack of political representation for protection of their rights.
Innovation
Collate best practices and great ideas for uplift of indigenous communities
In order to build a global platform to address the challenges faced by indigenous people through legislative means, a Parliamentarians’ for Indigenous Peoples’ Empowerment is being proposed. This forum will comprise of parliamentarians representing indigenous people from across the globe. This global forum will promote knowledge sharing, collate best practices and great ideas for upliftment of indigenous communities across the globe. Parliamentarians and legislators who are members of the forum can then mobilise their constituencies, governments and the international community to take necessary action.
Impact
Giving Voice to Marginalised Communities
The work of this forum and its members will not just be limited to creating solutions to existing problems but also to raise the voice of the marginalised indigenous communities in global forums such as the High Level Political Forum (HLPF), through their elected representatives at a global level.