Statement at the 24th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) - 21 April - 2 May 2025
Discussing Financing for Indigenous Peoples' Work and Participation Throughout the Multilateral and Regional System
United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) addressed by SIRGE during its 24th session
Presented by Bryan Bixcul (Maya-Tz'utujil), SIRGE Coalition Global Coordinator
Delivered on 23 April, 2025.
Hey there, Madam Chair, esteemed members of the Permanent Forum, our Indigenous kin, and allies!
I'm here to shed light on some urgent issues concerning Indigenous Peoples within the context of mineral extraction. I stand representing a powerful alliance of Indigenous-led and supportive organizations. Let's hash out some challenges we face:
- Insufficient binding legislation to safeguard our rights.
- The widespread use of voluntary mining standards that lag behind international human rights commitments.
- The absent or ineffective grievance mechanisms for remedying damages.
- The need for a global traceability system to monitor minerals across the supply chain.
To foster a just energy transition and honor the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in mineral extraction, we humbly suggest the Forum embrace these recommendations:
- Call upon Canada and Australia—with numerous mining companies headquartered—to enforce legislation that makes companies abroad adhere to Articles 3, 4, 18, 26, 28, and 32 of UNDRIP, ensuring Indigenous rights to Self-determination, Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
- Affirm that any inadequate mining standard neglecting FPIC, as defined by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, isn't up to par and undermines our rights. Additionally, reiterate that voluntary standards, while potentially helpful, can never substitute for binding legal obligations.
- Recommend that States, companies, and financial institutions take actionable steps to establish and make accessible independent, culturally appropriate grievance mechanisms throughout the entire lifecycle of a project, from planning to closure.
- Recommend that States, companies, and financial institutions support the creation of a global traceability system that traces the origin and impact of minerals across the entire supply chain, with mandatory disclosure of associated environmental and human rights risks and harms.
Let's not forget that this is an Indigenous Peoples' affair. Only with irrevocable laws, impactful accountability, and complete respect for Indigenous sovereignty can a truly fair energy revolution ensue.
Cheers!
- In the pursuit of financing for indigenous peoples' work and participation, it is crucial to address the lack of binding legislation in environmental-science fields to safeguard indigenous rights in industries such as mineral extraction.
- To promote a sustainable and equitable finance system, collaboration between international financial institutions should prioritize the inclusion of indigenous voices, ensuring transparency and environmental sustainability in the mining industry.
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