Voices That Are Punished

Photo: IR

The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Opens in New York

The latest session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues has opened in New York — a key international platform where Indigenous peoples address rights, climate, and their future.

In his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General António Guterres set the tone:

“Indigenous Peoples are on the front lines of the climate crisis, yet they remain among the least protected.”

Photo by Valentina Sovkina

He stressed that governments must go beyond formal recognition and ensure real participation:

“Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge is not a complement — it is essential to solutions.”

However, the discussion quickly moved beyond general statements.

Member of the Forum from the Arctic region, Sámi representative Valentina Sovkina pointed directly to the growing pressure on Indigenous peoples in Russia:

“When the state stops serving its people, Indigenous communities are the first to feel it — through the loss of voice and the ability to be heard.”

Photo: IR

She emphasized that the issue today is not only about rights, but also about safety:

“We are facing a situation where defending the rights of your people can be criminalized.”

According to information raised during the Forum, dozens of Indigenous organizations in Russia have been designated as “extremist” or “terrorist.” This means that participation, cooperation, or even public support may lead to criminal prosecution.

In effect, the very possibility of representation is under threat.

Indigenous leaders engaged in international mechanisms are increasingly facing risks — from pressure to criminal charges. This creates a situation where participation in global dialogue becomes unsafe.

Against this backdrop, the Forum’s central contradiction becomes clear.

On the one hand, there are calls to strengthen Indigenous participation and recognize traditional knowledge as a foundation of climate policy.

On the other hand, there are real restrictions that make such participation increasingly difficult.

The discussions in New York highlight a critical question:not only how to include Indigenous knowledge, but whether its holders are still able to speak freely.

And as long as raising that voice comes with a cost, the idea of partnership remains incomplete.

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