UN forum pushes governments to act on Indigenous rights

According to a UNPFII press release, this year’s session, which runs through May 2, focuses on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), a framework adopted in 2007. Despite being recognized internationally, enforcement of UNDRIP remains limited due to political, legal and economic barriers.

In his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Governments must honour their obligations in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples — without delay.” Forum Chair Aluki Kotierk (Inuit, Arctic) said that “UNDRIP is not a document to be celebrated once a year — it is a living framework.”

The gathering brings together more than 1,000 participants, including Indigenous leaders, UN officials, government representatives and civil society. The forum addresses a wide range of issues, including Indigenous land stewardship and climate change.

Climate and environmental concerns remain central. The press release points out that although Indigenous Peoples represent about 6% of the world’s population, they manage roughly 20% of the planet’s territory, much of which contains significant biodiversity. Despite this, Indigenous-led conservation efforts receive a fraction of global climate funding.

The forum will feature a high-level dialogue on the rights of Indigenous women, more than 100 side events, and the launch of the sixth edition of The State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples report, with a focus on the climate crisis.

Plenary sessions are streamed live on UN Web TV with interpretation in all six official UN languages.