At the 12th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights, we highlighted an undeniable truth: the challenges that indigenous communities face in the business arena. The slogan “Towards Effective Change in the Implementation of Obligations, Responsibilities and Remedies” resonates as an urgent call for companies to adopt social, environmental and governance due diligence, generating profound changes in their management models.
From the criminalization of community defenders to the affectations to territories, to serious adverse environmental impacts, indigenous communities are affected by corporate expansion.
We advocate for the active and respectful participation of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making, prioritizing Free, Prior and Informed Consent.
This forum emerges as a momentous platform to move towards effective and sustainable solutions, recognizing the urgency of listening to and acting on these crucial voices.
At the epicenter of these conversations is the recognition that the contributions of Indigenous Peoples are essential to addressing global challenges. From environmental advocacy to promoting sustainable business practices, indigenous communities contribute unique perspectives that must be intrinsically integrated into business and policy decisions.
Listening and responding to these voices is an inescapable steppingstone to a future where human rights and sustainability are inseparably intertwined in business operations.
The energy transition must be a just transition and Indigenous Peoples must be part of these structural changes.
To read the Declaration of the Caucus of Indigenous Peoples from the 11th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights, click here.
