Indigenous peoples are at the forefront of the climate crisis, pollution, and biodiversity loss, despite not having contributed to its generation and having made constant efforts to stop them, stated the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, this Monday.
The UN leader inaugurated the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the largest international meeting on the rights of indigenous peoples, which this year brings together a thousand representatives of various communities and will run until May 2.
## Urgent Challenges for Indigenous Peoples
The forum, held at the UN headquarters in New York, addresses the most pressing issues affecting indigenous peoples.
Guterres highlighted the marginalization, discrimination, poverty, and violence suffered by these communities, especially when they defend the environment.
According to the official, indigenous peoples continue to be evicted and illegally exploited, which represents a serious violation of their rights.
Additionally, they are excluded from decisions that directly affect their territories, threatening their food security and ways of life.
## Mining Exploitation and Its Effects
The Secretary-General emphasized the illegal extraction of minerals, which is often carried out without regulation and severely affects indigenous populations.
“The race for critical minerals for the global energy transition is growing, and many of these resources are located in indigenous territories or nearby,” Guterres warned.
As demand increases, indigenous peoples suffer dispossession, marginalization in decision-making, violations of their rights, and serious health risks, while being denied the benefits they deserve.
## The Impact of Mining Pollution
One of the greatest risks associated with illegal mining is mercury contamination, which poisons the water and food supplies of various indigenous communities worldwide.
Guterres recalled that the UN recognizes and values the contributions of indigenous peoples in international agreements and highlighted their participation in the UN Panel on Critical Minerals for the Energy Transition.
The Panel’s recommendations are based on human rights, with explicit reference to the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
## Four Areas of Urgent Action
This year’s forum focuses on the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Member States.
Guterres urged concrete action in four key areas:
– Strengthening the Permanent Forum.
– Recognizing indigenous leadership and rights in each country.
– Increasing funding for indigenous communities.
– Fully implementing the recommendations of the Panel on Critical Minerals.
## Indigenous Knowledge as a Model for Sustainability
The Secretary-General emphasized that the traditional practices of indigenous peoples are models of conservation and sustainable use, contrasting with short-term economic exploitation.
These peoples have promoted a balance with nature and have prioritized ecosystem health over immediate profits.
“The world has much to learn from indigenous wisdom,” Guterres concluded, highlighting that their approaches can strengthen the fight against climate change.
*Cover photo: L21*
