IWFNEI for greater recognition of indigenous women

States yet to show true commitment to UNDRIP’

Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 10

The Indigenous Women’s Forum of North-East India (IWFNEI) has called upon nation states and all communities for greater recognition of women. The IWFNEI made the statement at an event in Dimapur, commemorating the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9.

The event was jointly organised by the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact, IWFNEI and Network of Indigenous Women in Asia in partnership with the Karbi Human Rights Watch, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, Zo Indigenous Forum and Borok Indigenous/Tribal Peoples Development Centre.

The event’s central focus was reclaiming the ‘role of indigenous women in the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge,’ as declared by the UN Women on the occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

As vital caretaker, transmitter and practitioners of indigenous knowledge systems among indigenous peoples, it said, “Our crucial role in maintaining indigenous identity and knowledge systems and in re-building communities and societies must be recognized and supported both by the State and all communities.”

It reminded that the lands “where we have exercised our agency and freedom” have been now endangered by militarization, unsustainable development programmes and unjust laws. While stating that displacement and violations of human rights have arisen as a consequence, it said that prolonged conflict has led to the internalisation of violence within indigenous communities “with increased experience of violence against women.”

While emphasising the immense contribution of indigenous women in peace-making and conflict mediation in the northeast, it said, “If knowledge is power, indigenous women as propagator of our knowledge systems, empowering indigenous women is empowering the society as a whole. Thereby, we reiterate the importance of strengthening the recognition of our rights and role within customary institutions and governance systems.”

It further referenced the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as an important milestone in recognizing the role of indigenous women “in transmitting and enriching our knowledge.” It however expressed dismay that the States have yet to show true commitment to implement the UN Declaration. It therefore called upon the States to fully recognise and implement the Declaration “for democratization of states and to promote genuine pluralism for peace and justice.”

A separate declaration, under the banner of the indigenous peoples of the northeast, committed to cooperate and work with States, international agencies, civil society organisations and other groups to “develop carefully coordinated solutions recognizing the leadership role of Indigenous Peoples, particularly indigenous women, and to complement and share responsibilities.”

It though lamented a perceived reluctance on the part of the Government of India to embrace and achieve the rights and opportunities that came with the adoption of the UNDRIP.

While committing to the declaration, it sought the GoI acknowledging the “historic injustices” suffered by the people of the region, besides complying with its obligations as per the UNDRIP and others related to human rights “in dialogue and cooperation with the Indigenous Peoples concerned.”

It called for “prompt review” of the agreements with the Boroks of Tripura, the Karbis and other Indigenous Peoples of Assam; the Indigenous Peoples of Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, while also evoking the GoI’s commitment to the Indo-Naga peace process.

It further urged the GoI to “recognize the contribution of demilitarization of the lands and territories of Indigenous Peoples” to peace, progress and understanding among different communities and the larger society of the country. Besides, it sought the urgent repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.

Secretary General of the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact, Gam A Shimray, brought into context the significance of the day, which, he recalled, took seed in the League of Nations. According to him, in the early days, the idea was to “mainstream the indigenous people.” But the attitude of world leaders gradually began to shift towards a more accommodative spirit to eventually prioritise indigenous issues. While stating that the uniqueness attributed to the indigenous issue thus began to emerge, he reminded, “All member states of the UN should make steps to reform legal systems” accommodating the unique characteristics of the indigenous world view.

Representatives from various indigenous forms of the region also spoke at the event, besides Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal and the Director of the NEZCC, Dr Prashanna Gogoi.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/iwfnei-for-greater-recognition-of-indigenous-women