UN forum pushes governments to act on Indigenous rights
Governments worldwide are being urged to fully implement a 2007 declaration that protects Indigenous Peoples’ rights to land, governance and cultural autonomy
Many participants shook hands with a young leader after he spoke during the general assembly of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on April 23, 2025. The UNPFII is scheduled from April 21 to May 2 in New York City. (Photo credit: Jodi Rave Spotted Bear)
The 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) opened April 21 at UN Headquarters, with leaders calling for urgent action to uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples worldwide.
According to a UNPFII press release, this year’s session, which runs through May 2, focuses on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), a framework adopted in 2007. Despite being recognized internationally, enforcement of UNDRIP remains limited due to political, legal and economic barriers.
In his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Governments must honour their obligations in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples — without delay.” Forum Chair Aluki Kotierk (Inuit, Arctic) said that “UNDRIP is not a document to be celebrated once a year — it is a living framework.”
The gathering brings together more than 1,000 participants, including Indigenous leaders, UN officials, government representatives and civil society. The forum addresses a wide range of issues, including Indigenous land stewardship and climate change.
Climate and environmental concerns remain central. The press release points out that although Indigenous Peoples represent about 6% of the world’s population, they manage roughly 20% of the planet’s territory, much of which contains significant biodiversity. Despite this, Indigenous-led conservation efforts receive a fraction of global climate funding.
The forum will feature a high-level dialogue on the rights of Indigenous women, more than 100 side events, and the launch of the sixth edition of The State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples report, with a focus on the climate crisis.
Plenary sessions are streamed live on UN Web TV with interpretation in all six official UN languages.
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