Call for the protection of Indigenous rights and solidarity voiced at Global Summit in New York

On April 25–26, the Second Global Indigenous Peacebuilding Summit took place in New York, held alongside the session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The event brought together more than 150 Indigenous representatives from dozens of countries — including community leaders, women, youth, mediators, and human rights defenders. Its main goal was to strengthen the role of Indigenous peoples in global processes of conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Participants discussed the importance of traditional knowledge, the need for its recognition at the international level, and expanding Indigenous participation in global decision-making processes.

One of the key speeches was delivered by Pavel Sulyandziga, who emphasized that despite the peaceful nature of Indigenous peoples, their history is marked by a continuous struggle for rights:

“Indigenous peoples are among the most peaceful people on the planet. But unfortunately, our history is a history of struggle for our rights.”

He stressed the importance of training both negotiators and leaders capable of firmly defending the interests of their peoples:

“We must educate diplomats and negotiators, but also people who are strong in spirit and able to firmly defend our rights.”

He shared a personal story that has become a symbol of this struggle: in his youth, he had to fight his way to the authorities to stop the transfer of his people’s lands to a foreign company.

“We wrote, protested, went to court — we were ignored.”

He eventually secured a personal meeting with Boris Yeltsin, which he says he reached with the help of members of parliament, even being transported in the trunk of a car. After that meeting, the disputed agreement was terminated.

“I share this example so that you are not afraid to speak the truth.”

He also addressed the current situation in Russia, pointing to large-scale repression against activists:

“Today, there are major repressions taking place in Russia. Two of our colleagues have been arrested.”

In conclusion, he called on Indigenous peoples worldwide to show solidarity:

“I ask you to join this campaign: write appeals to the Russian government, raise this issue at all international platforms, and help us save our colleagues.”

The summit followed the first meeting held in 2024 and reflects the growing attention of the international community to the role of Indigenous peoples in ensuring global security and sustainable development.

As a result of the meeting, participants intend to promote greater inclusion of Indigenous peoples in international negotiations and institutions, including UN bodies.

Photoes: IR

Source: IR