Indigenous peoples around the world face a worrying four: state violence, human rights violations, harmful environmental practices and the extractive industries. All of these questions and more will be considered at the 21st session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), which is meeting today at UN Headquarters in New York.
The Forum is a rare opportunity for the international indigenous community to set high standards in respect for the land, rights and culture of indigenous peoples and to make clear recommendations to the UN and its Member States. Jeffrey Roth, a Standing Rock Sioux descendant and forum member, says it’s an opportunity to advocate for indigenous and human causes on a global scale, especially projects that require community consent.
“We can really be an example for world leaders in how to save the environment,” Roth said.
