UNPFII is a high- level advisory body to the Economic and Social Council. The Forum was established on 28 July 2000 by resolution 2000/22, with the mandate to deal with indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.
We are sharing with you the unified statement of FIMI (Foro Internacional de Mujeres Indigenas/International Indigenous Women’s Forum). FIMI is composed of indigenous peoples organizations from the Philippines, Bangladesh, India, Nepal. YouWIn or Young Women Initiatives, Kaisa Ka’s sister organization represents the Philippines.
Statement at the 20th session of the UNPFII
Agenda Item 4: Implementation of the six mandated areas of the Permanent Forum
Madam Chair,
Indigenous Peoples’ existence has been marked by historical injustices, colonization, systemic oppression, marginalization and discrimination. Neoliberal policies supported by the state have enabled capitalist countries and transnational corporations in the garb of “development and economic growth” to extract our minerals, natural resources and promote private property, open markets and individualism leading to us losing control over our ways of life.
Indigenous women worldwide through differing circumstances, contexts, political, socio-economic and legal environments still have common experiences and concerns over our agency, bodies, land and violence inflicted on us. The challenges to accessing our rights may vary but indigenous women in developing countries such as Bangladesh, Philippines, Nepal and India find resonance in the similarities of our struggles.
Kaisa Ka NL 