Hundreds of Indigenous people gathered in Geneva last week to call for stronger representation at the United Nations. They argued that climate change and other crises will worsen without more direct input in international decisions. The meeting focused on the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Arctic is warming four times faster than other regions, harming the Sámi people through melting snow that creates ice layers blocking reindeer from lichen. Tuomas Aslak Juuso, vice president of the Sámi Parliament of Finland, said those impacts question the survival of reindeer, livelihoods, and cultures.
Delegates from around the world raised climate change and colonialism as key issues. They pushed for enhanced participation that would give Indigenous nations the same access as member states at UN gatherings. Current rules force them to participate as NGOs, creating barriers.
Kym Hamilton from Aotearoa New Zealand tribes said governments often prioritize economic growth over environmental protection. She called for a clear timeline to create participatory status and an independent accreditation mechanism. Kenneth Deer of the Mohawk Nation added that governments cannot speak for Indigenous peoples.
The UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples faces budget shortfalls that limit travel to forums. Sheryl Lightfoot noted growing resistance from some states to recognizing Indigenous rights, especially in Africa and Asia.