I am Mr. Keikabile Mogodu, an indigenous San from Bostwana, Africa. I am presenting this statement on behalf of the Indigenous Peoples’ Major Group
The Indigenous Peoples Major Group (IPMG) underlines that the recognition and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples to their lands, territories and resources is central to eradicating poverty and ensuring that indigenous peoples are not left behind in the 2030 Agenda. This is one of the main lessons learned in the implementation of the MDGs in the context of acknowledging the multi-dimensions of poverty.
While indigenous peoples are 5% of the global population, we are 15 % of the poor, largely due to the historical and continuing disrespect of indigenous peoples’ distinct identities, which are linked to our lands, territories and resources. The systematic plunder of our lands and resources, wide scale forced displacements, theft of our property and assets /and disregard to our diverse subsistence strategies, traditional occupations and sustainable livelihoods/ have led to our impoverished conditions, such as in Africa where I come from. Structural poverty and systemic violence arises from devaluing the contributions of the poor, including indigenous men and women, who are key actors in the sustainable management of ancestral territories, ecosystems and resources, which underpin food security, community solidarity and cultural identity.
The basic human right of peoples to self-determination contained in common article 1 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, crucially includes the right not to be denied the means of subsistence. This is a core human rights obligation of States as duty bearers, which underpins the SDGs.
The mainstream development approaches and “business as usual” practices, distort “national sustainable development” and fuel unequal economic growth, devastate natural ecosystems and entrench social injustice. These underlying causes of poverty are compounded by our exclusion from decision-making processes at all levels/ and multiple discrimination in the provision of education, health, jobs and other basic services, especially for indigenous women.
This exclusion still prevails even in the VNR process in many countries including Botswana where I come from. Inspite of my efforts to reach out to the government, I was told that consultations were done with umbrella organizations of civil society which do not represent the views and aspirations of indigenous peoples. The claim for multi-stakeholders’ platform for participation in the SDGs favors the more powerful actors and only pays lip service to meaningful participation of indigenous peoples and other marginalized groups.
The lack of our legal identity as indigenous peoples/ and the recognition of our collective rights/ are the major barriers to our effective participation. It also severely limits our full contribution to sustainable development. Unless our existence as distinct group with specific rights are fully acknowledged, respected and recognized, we will continue to be marginalized and excluded in the 2030 Agenda
In order to ensure that no one is left behind, The Indigenous Peoples Major Group calls on States to
- Prioritize legal recognition of customary land tenure of indigenous peoples, small farmers, fisher-folks and women/ through specific policies, actions, and measures, guided by clear targets, indicators and data-disaggregation including by ethnicity, to be monitored through participatory follow-up and review processes at all levels.
- Ensure policy cohesion /and balanced implementation of the three dimensions of sustainable development based on respect, protection and realization of human rights. National implementation plans should uphold clear social and environmental safeguards, conduct human rights due diligence, and require the Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of indigenous peoples, for actions affecting our rights and welfare.
- Full and effective participation of marginalized groups including indigenous peoples, in the design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of appropriate actions to end poverty, hunger, and achieve quality education and wellbeing of marginalized groups and ensure adequate resources for its implementation.
Thank you.
KEY MESSAGES:
Recognition and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples to their lands, territories and resources is central to eradicating poverty and ensuring that indigenous peoples are not left behind in the 2030 Agenda
Basic human right of peoples to self-determination includes the right not to be denied the means of subsistence. This is a core human rights obligation of states as duty bearers, which underpins the SDGs.
Lack of legal identity as indigenous peoples and the recognition of our collective rights are the major barriers to our effective participation. It also limits our full contribution to sustainable development. Unless this is addressed, we will continue to be marginalized and excluded.
Claims for multi-stakeholders’ platforms for participation in the SDGs favor the more powerful actors and only pay lip service to meaningful participation of marginalized groups including indigenous peoples.
