Statement by
Ms. Fatemeh Arab Bafrani
Second Secretary
Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
Before the Third Committee of the 78th Session of the General Assembly
On Agenda Item 68 (a & b): Rights of Indigenous Peoples
General Discussion
New York, 9 October 2023
Mr. Chair,
According to UNEP, at least a quarter of the world’s land area is owned, managed, or used by indigenous peoples and local communities, and the nature in these areas is degrading less quickly than in others.
Across their rivers and forests, indigenous peoples defend their lands against illegal encroachments and destructive extraction. Serving as ideal custodians of ecosystems and landscapes, their efforts are critical in limiting climate change and adapting to its consequences. Further, they have a unique role to play in climate action, owing to their traditional knowledge and occupations.
Given the scale and scope of the threats they face due to climate change – including the specific threats to their livelihoods, cultures and ways of life – the situation of indigenous peoples differs from that of other groups.
Indigenous peoples seek recognition for their contributions to sustainably managing their territories for generations, which can be valuable sources of knowledge for coping with the impacts of climate change.
The fact remains that Indigenous Peoples seeking to assert their rights are increasingly at risk of criminal prosecution and arrest. Violations of Indigenous Peoples’ rights are still ‘Deep, Systemic and Widespread’.
The negative legacies of colonization and racial discrimination continue to cause displacement of Indigenous Peoples and dispossession of their lands and resources, resulting in homelessness, low educational achievement, unemployment, poverty, and poor outcomes in health and well-being.
Under the UNDRIP, States are required to consult and cooperate with indigenous peoples on matters concerning their lands and territories. Effective implementation of its principles, including the principle of free, prior and informed consent, would enable indigenous peoples to make their own decisions regarding their relevant concerns.
Mr. Chair,
The socioeconomic situation of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and other colonies of the UK has not significantly improved since the last report of the Special Rapporteur under this mandate. According to the report of the SR to the 54th session of the HRC[1], the overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in child welfare and correctional systems in Canada lead to an increased vulnerability to addiction, homelessness and becoming missing or murdered. In order to tackle this issue effectively, the structural racism and intergenerational trauma caused by Canada’s residential school experience should be addressed comprehensively, with such school systems being characterized as genocide. Despite Canada's acknowledgement of what occurred in these residential schools, the country’s so-called progress in this regard remains in question in the absence of concrete responsive actions towards uplifting the lives of Indigenous Peoples.
In the United States, Indigenous Peoples face discrimination in the legal system. For centuries, Native Americans and Indigenous peoples have endured economic and social injustices. Compared to the general population, Native Americans are much more likely to be killed by law enforcement. Further, laws and policies in the United States over the last few decades undoubtedly have contributed to the erosion of indigenous identities. These disadvantages persist as a result of a long history of wrongdoing and misguided policies.
As a final point, Mr. Chair, Iran is actively engaged with the Permanent Forum of Indigenous Issues (PFII) mandated to discuss indigenous issues. Iran supports Indigenous Peoples' rights and calls for the accountability of those countries who share the highest burden of discrimination against them.
I thank you.
[1] - A/HRC/54/31/Add.2