International forum attendees face unwarranted harassment, specifically targeting Indigenous representatives, as per the statements made by Cultural Survival.
April 2025: Indigenous Leaders Face Hostility at United Nations Forum
Two Indigenous leaders from Bolivia, Pastor Carvajal and Guadalupe Fernández, faced threats and intimidation during the 24th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). The leaders, representing diverse communities in La Paz and Oruro departments, presented their concerns over foreign mining activities and rights violations. Their advocacy, highlighting the inaction of the Bolivian state, attracted unwanted attention.
The pair was verbally attacked by a leader of the CSUTB, an alliance supporting the ruling Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) party. They were also targeted for wearing traditional attire and displaying the Bolivian flag during a plenary session, with a security guard even photographing their credentials. However, others displaying flags were left unchallenged. These incidents are not isolated; Indigenous defenders in Bolivia have previously suffered threats and violence.
The UNPFII, established to provide a platform for Indigenous advocacy, saw Indigenous Peoples being silenced and threatened. This is concerning, considering the rise in violence against Indigenous Peoples protecting their rights worldwide.
Given this hostile climate, it’s crucial to create safe spaces for fair and equitable dialogue between Indigenous Peoples and member states.
Cultural Survival calls upon the United Nations system and the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to:
- Respect self-determination and freedom of expression of Indigenous Peoples, ensuring their continued participation in the UNPFII.
- Implement necessary protective measures for Indigenous leaders and their allies in international forums.
- Take firm action against governments and attendees who threaten or attack defenders in these spaces.
- Provide comprehensive support to defenders suffering intimidation during and after the UNPFII.
Cultural Survival demands that the Bolivian government:
- Halts threats against Indigenous defenders of territory and the environment, both nationally and internationally.
- Fulfils international agreements like the Escazú Agreement, UNDRIP, ILO Convention 169, and others, to protect Indigenous rights in Bolivia.
Additional measures to ensure safe spaces for Indigenous leaders include:
- Enhanced Security Measures: Implementing robust personal security, secure communication channels, and emergency response plans.
- Financial Support: Providing consistent funds to safeguard Indigenous participation in international forums.
- Policy Advocacy: Strengthening policies protecting Indigenous rights at national and international levels.
- Regional Conferences: Amplifying local voices through regional Indigenous conferences.
- Collaboration: Working with governments, NGOs, and international organizations to prioritize Indigenous issues.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Promoting cultural awareness among UNPFII participants and organizers for a more inclusive and respectful environment.
Implementing these measures can help protect Indigenous leaders and foster a safe environment for advocacy at the UNPFII.
The UNPFII, in light of the hostile climate towards Indigenous Peoples, should prioritize respecting their self-determination and freedom of expression, ensure their continued participation, implement protective measures, and take action against threats and attacks on Indigenous defenders. Additionally, Cultural Survival urges the Bolivian government to halt threats against Indigenous defenders, fulfill international agreements, and collaborate to prioritize Indigenous issues in a culturally sensitive manner. Enhanced security measures, financial support, policy advocacy, regional conferences, and collaboration between governments and organizations are essential for protecting Indigenous leaders at the UNPFII.
