OECD: adopt and enforce binding measures to hold multinational companies to account for human rights by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre   June 2026   "Open letter to members of the OECD Responsible Business Conduct Committee".   Over 100 human rights and environmental organisations – including Indigenous Peoples’ and Afro-descendant peoples’ representative organisations – from more than 55 countries have sent an Open Letter to members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Responsible Business Conduct Committee (RBC):   We – a broad range of Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, Afro descendant Peoples’ organisations, territorial and human rights defenders and rights-holders directly affected by corporate activities, along with our local and international civil society allies – write to you ahead of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) Inclusive Platform for Due Diligence Policy Cooperation meeting, taking place in Paris during the Responsible Business Conduct week (RBC week), 29 June – 2 July 2026.   We collectively call for greater ambition by OECD member states to adopt and enforce binding measures to hold multinational companies to account for individual and collective human rights violations and environmental destruction, and to ensure the provision of remedy...   Such measures must be aligned with international human rights law instruments, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and jurisprudence protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples to self-determination, lands, territories and resources, and to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)....   We further call for such requirements to be a condition of accession to the OECD...   For centuries, the dominant models of extraction, production, transnational trade and multinational businesses have had profoundly negative impacts on human rights, cultures, lands, wellbeing and the environment...   Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant Peoples and other land-connected communities are experiencing increasing violence, intimidation and killings, and the alarming closure of civic space, including the repression of protest and use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation...   Our message to OECD member states is that adopting measures that impose binding obligations on multinational businesses, including financial institutions, is not only long overdue but is crucial to ensure the prevention of imminent human rights and environmental abuses, as well as to ensure effective remedy for harms.   Such measures must create clear accountability for corporate actors throughout their value chains and ensure that affected rights holders can access justice when harms occur...   We call on you to ensure these principles, and the need to align OECD Guidelines with international human rights law, form the basis of discussion during the Inclusive Platform for Due Diligence Policy Cooperation meeting, and other relevant discussions held during the RBC week.   We further underscore that the proposals and processes relating to national-level corporate accountability laws must be undertaken through meaningful and effective consultation with the concerned Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant Peoples or other land connected communities in line with the relevant international human rights law, including Article 19 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples..   http://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/indigenous-peoples-afro-descendant-peoples-and-communities-urge-oecd-states-to-adopt-mandatory-corporate-accountability-measures-in-open-letter/ http://www.forestpeoples.org/publications-resources/news/article/open-letter-to-the-members-of-the-oecd-responsible-business-conduct-committee http://www.fidh.org/en/issues/business-human-rights-environment/business-and-human-rights/oecd-member-states-must-show-greater-ambition-on-50th-anniversary-guidelines-responsible-business-conduct Visit the related web page
	UN Forum puts spotlight on healthcare for Indigenous Peoples by UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues   20 Apr. 2026   Ensuring Indigenous Peoples’ access to healthcare, including during conflict, is the theme for a major meeting that opened at United Nations Headquarters in New York on Monday.   More than 1,000 participants are expected to attend the latest session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) – the platform that has placed their concerns at the centre of international debate over the past 25 years.   “From the Amazon to Australia, and Africa to the Arctic, you are the great guardians of nature, a living library of biodiversity conservation, and champions of climate action,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in remarks to the opening ceremony.   Delegates – many wearing traditional clothing – convened in the UN General Assembly Hall where an Inuit leader from Canada, Aluki Kotierk, was re-elected chair of the forum by acclamation.   Although Indigenous People make up six per cent of the global population, they account for nearly 19 per cent of those living in extreme poverty. Communities still encounter discrimination, marginalisation and exclusion, and she highlighted the health inequities they face.   Regardless of where in the world they live, Indigenous Peoples experience shorter life expectancy, increased likelihood of chronic illnesses and alarming suicide rates, she said.   “The degradation of Indigenous Peoples’ lands, territories and waters directly contribute to these poor health outcomes,” she added, with communities reporting issues such as mercury contamination and climate change impacts.   Ms. Kotierk explained that for Indigenous Peoples, “health and well-being is more than just physical and mental health. It is interconnected with our culture, spirituality, languages, our lands and our environment.”   She argued that health systems and understanding around health “must be decolonized to acknowledge this interconnectedness and incorporate the holistic, self-determined approaches to health by Indigenous Peoples.”   The Secretary-General underscored how their rights are inseparable from their lands, waters, languages, cultures, and ecosystems, stressing that when one is harmed, all are affected.   “This is especially true in the context of conflict, when displacement from ancestral lands, loss of livelihoods, food insecurity, destruction of sacred sites, and disruption of cultural traditions can put health at risk,” he said.   UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock addressed how land loss, displacement and marginalisation have caused communities to suffer higher rates of illness, malnutrition and preventable disease, while life expectancies can be up to 20 years shorter.   “Indigenous women face particularly acute risks, including disproportionately high maternal and infant mortality rates,” she said. “This is not only a moral failure. It is a development failure. The health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples is both a measure of our progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and a condition for achieving them.”   The Secretary-General acknowledged Indigenous Peoples as “bearers of cultures, knowledge, and ways of life that have sustained humanity for thousands of years.”   Stressing that their participation in global decision-making has never been more critical, he outlined four priorities for action, with the first urging Member States to honour their commitments under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.   The UN system and Member States must ensure the full, meaningful, and direct participation of Indigenous Peoples at all levels, supported by adequate and sustained financing.   He called for societies everywhere to take immediate and concrete steps to protect Indigenous Peoples, their leaders, and human rights defenders – and to address the violence and risks they face.   He highlighted the need for action to ensure that Indigenous women and girls can participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their lives, as “their knowledge, leadership, and perspectives must shape the way forward.”   The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) was established in July 2000 as a high-level advisory body to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It has a mandate to deal with issues in six areas – economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights. The 25th session runs from 20 April to 1 May.   http://news.un.org/en/story/2026/04/1167337 http://social.desa.un.org/issues/indigenous-peoples/unpfii/25th-session http://docs.un.org/en/E/C.19/2026/5   Statement by Albert Barume, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples to United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues:   "I am honoured to address this 25th session of the UN Permanent Forum and engage with all participants in this interactive dialogue concerning the human rights situation of Indigenous Peoples.   I will focus my statement on three points today: first, this session’s theme of health in the context of conflict; second, an overview of the work of my mandate over the past fifteen months; and third, a few reflections on the broader global context affecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights.   I. Reflection on the theme of the UNPFII 25th Session   In conflict settings, Indigenous Peoples often suffer some of the gravest consequences, even though they have contributed least to the crises around them. Their lands are militarised or occupied, their communities are displaced, their leaders are threatened, and access to food, water, health care and education is disrupted.   In these circumstances, health must be understood in a broad and holistic sense: not only as access to medical services, but as the ability to live in dignity, in peace, with cultural continuity, and with control over ancestral lands and resources.   II. Overview of activities by the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples   The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples is part of the UN Human Rights Council’s system of Special Procedures. These Special Procedures are independent human rights experts tasked with assessing, reporting, and advising on human rights issues, either thematically or by country.   The mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples operates as a protective mechanism and is structured around four principal pillars: (1) thematic studies, (2) country visits, (3) addressing allegations of human rights violations or abuses, and (4) engaging in additional activities such as technical cooperation, raising awareness, building capacity, and promoting best practices.   Regarding thematic studies, in September 2025, I submitted my first report to the Human Rights Council. Focussed on recognition, this report highlights three cumulative steps that a State should undertake to recognise Indigenous Peoples as specific rights holders:   First, a State should formally recognise the distinct historical injustices faced by self-identifying Indigenous Peoples within its territory. Recognition is essential for redress; a State cannot remedy what it does not acknowledge.   Second, a State should enact constitutional or legal provisions that explicitly recognise Indigenous Peoples as distinct rights holders. This includes incorporating relevant international standards into domestic law and ratifying pertinent international instruments. Finally, a State should undertake administrative registration of Indigenous Peoples within its territory to ensure their cultural integrity and prevent misidentification with other social groups, such as minorities, tribal peoples, marginalised or poor people, peasants, and local communities.   In October 2025, I submitted my second thematic report to the UN General Assembly, focusing on legal protections for Indigenous Peoples’ land and territories. The report emphasizes that most Indigenous Peoples now live on the few remaining areas of their ancestral lands after enduring repeated displacements for decades if not centuries. Therefore, since there is no more territory left to retreat to, Indigenous Peoples are increasingly standing up against further encroachment.   The report further emphasizes a global high demand for Indigenous Peoples’ lands, which is primarily driven by five factors: transition minerals, carbon markets, the expansion of protected and conservation areas, energy transition initiatives, and geopolitical or international security interests involving Indigenous territories.   The growing demand for Indigenous Peoples’ lands is leading to more persecution and criminalisation of those defending their rights, especially Indigenous leaders.   Serious human rights violations—including arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances, militarisation, and unlawful killings—are increasingly affecting Indigenous communities across the globe.   In my report, I call upon States to shift the paradigm and adopt a new approach, recognising Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination to their lands and territories as a valuable asset to both national and international security.   Defenders of Indigenous Peoples’ lands, territories and resources should be regarded as allies in the pursuit of justice, sustainability, and peace.   In 2026, my report to the United Nations General Assembly will maintain its emphasis on land rights by analysing States’ practices related to demarcation and registration, with the objective of identifying and sharing effective approaches or practices.   I would like to formally announce that during my tenure as Special Rapporteur, I will report on Indigenous Peoples’ land rights. These reports will aim to monitor, document, and track the impact of the five aforementioned factors contributing to the high demand for Indigenous Peoples’ lands.   Concerning the second pillar of the SRIP mandate on country visits, I wish to inform the Forum that in September 2025, I officially visited Botswana, where the new President Duma Boko, a former Indigenous Peoples attorney, is placing human rights at the forefront of ongoing legal and policies reforms.   The historical injustices endured by Indigenous Peoples in Botswana over decades should inform and guide the reforms currently underway. Hence, my mission report underscores the urgent necessity for enhanced protection, including constitutional and legal recognition, effective enjoyment of land rights, equal access to justice and services, as well as safeguards for Indigenous languages and cultures.   I wish to express my gratitude to the Government of Botswana for its cooperation, as well as to the UNCT for its support during this visit.   This year, I will conduct an official visit to Australia from 2–13 November. I appreciate the Government of Australia and all individuals who have provided contributions in preparation for this trip. I would also like to acknowledge the Governments of Brazil and Guatemala for extending invitations for country visits, which unfortunately could not take place due to UN budget constraints limiting my mandate to one country mission per year. Additionally, I extend my thanks to the Government of New Zealand for its invitation for a mission in 2027.   I urge more countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, to invite the mandate. Country visits help the Special Rapporteur engage directly with governments and Indigenous Peoples, and offer practical recommendations based on firsthand observation.   To conclude this section on country missions, I want to emphasize that the mandate still struggles with resource shortages, mainly due to persistent underfunding of the United Nations human rights system. This financial constraint limits visits and activities, making cooperation and follow-up from States even more important.   It is important that a Special Rapporteur’s country mission is effectively followed up. Accordingly, I urge all stakeholders to seize this window of opportunity for advancing Indigenous Peoples’ rights in Botswana and support the Government as well as Indigenous Peoples to translate the political will into effective implementation of rights.   The third pillar of the SRIP activities – which enables the mandate to receive allegations of human rights violations and abuses directly from Indigenous Peoples and engage States and other actors regarding those claims. I would like to report that in the last fifteen months, the mandate has sent more than 65 communications to States, private sector entities, and other actors.   The 29 States engaged are, in alphabetical order: Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Burundi, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, Germany, Guatemala, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Russian Federation, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America and Vietnam.   Recent and notable communications have discussed the experiences of the Ogiek Indigenous People in Kenya, challenges faced by the Maori in New Zealand, the situation of Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts, and the Guarani-Kaiowa in Brazil.   They have also covered protests and repression involving Indigenous Peoples in Panama and Ecuador, as well as the effects of extractive and industrial projects on Indigenous communities in Mexico, Kenya, Indonesia, and Tanzania.   The mandate has also addressed communications with private companies, and financial institutions and other non-state actors involved in projects related to fossil fuel extraction, petrochemicals, geothermal ventures, mining, and conservation. These communications underline that businesses, investors, and other entities must exercise due diligence and respect Indigenous Peoples’ human rights.   Over the last fifteen months, the mandate has sent out 14 communications to businesses and other non-state actors, including Tullow Oil, Gulf Energy (affiliate Auron Energy E&P), Sikder Group, PROMAN, KFW IPEX-Bank, Gas y Petroquímica de Occidente SA, Sempra Infraestructura, Mexico Pacific Limited, LNG Alliance Pte Ltd Singapore, Instalaciones Energeticas Cosala, Epcilon LNG, Empresa de Servicios Sanitarios Aguas San Isidro and the World Bank Group.   The allegations of human rights violations received by the mandate show five major trends occurring consistently across regions.   Number one: There is widespread regression, as many countries are retreating from established standards on Indigenous Peoples’ rights, primarily for immediate political and economic benefit. This includes generalised non-implementation of court decisions and growing hate speech against Indigenous Peoples.   Number two: Criminalisation of Indigenous leaders and defenders, with Indigenous women leaders facing heightened risks. In Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and other regions, reductions in civic space and restrictions on peaceful protest have resulted in Indigenous Peoples being perceived as threats to national interests. Numerous Indigenous leaders and individuals, are subject to killings, arbitrary detention, and are compelled to live in hiding.   Number three, there is growing pressure on Indigenous territories due to extractive industries, infrastructure development, conservation efforts, and climate-related projects that proceed without proper consultation or free, prior, and informed consent, resulting in displacement.   Number Four, many Indigenous Peoples’ territories have been occupied by non-State armed groups, criminal trafficking networks, and extremist or terrorist organizations. This has resulted in increased violence, particularly targeting women, and has led to Indigenous Peoples being unfairly classified as terrorists, enemies of the state, or perceived threats to national security and interests.   Number Five, Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation remain particularly vulnerable.   There are undeniably rising tensions between Indigenous Peoples and States. Accordingly, I urge States to promptly review their relationship with Indigenous Peoples in order to promote partnership and reconciliation, as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.   The fourth pillar of the mandate is to promote good practices, raise awareness, and provide capacity building. The mandate goes beyond documenting violations; it aims to foster implementation and advance justice, recognition, and reconciliation. To that end, I have worked with various Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, academies, CSOs, regional human rights mechanisms such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and UN agencies, including UNESCO and WHO, discussing topics such as the decade for languages and the delisting as a narcotic substance of the coca leaf, which is the sacred for Indigenous Peoples.   Reflections on the global human rights trends and impact on Indigenous Peoples   I would like to reflect on how the global human rights situation affects the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Today, we are witnessing an era where human rights standards are often disregarded or actively resisted. This trend arises from heightened scepticism regarding multilateralism and the significance of international law. International law underpins Indigenous Peoples’ rights as Nations, making them more vulnerable if multilateral frameworks are weakened or disregarded.   The 25th session of the UNPFII coincides with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of my mandate. Twenty-five years ago, when the Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples was established, we lived in a compliance era, where compelling legal arguments grounded in international law would yield results and calls for redress held significant influence.   Most countries still viewed international law as the force uniting eight billion people—regardless of their race, culture, development, or religion—into a single human family. Now, that unity is beginning to fracture; international law is questioned and powerful nations increasingly seek their own spheres of influence and attempt to assert dominance over others.   In such a global context characterised by non-compliance or questioning of international standards, there is only one option left for Indigenous Peoples: to stand their ground and continue to demand respect of their rights.   Despite the setbacks and disregard for established norms, Indigenous Peoples must remain steadfast and vocal, refusing to be silenced or marginalised. Rights are never given on a golden platter; they are earned through defenders and victims standing up against violations. Indigenous Peoples’ persistent advocacy is essential in maintaining visibility and ensuring that their voices are heard on the global stage.   I continue to believe in Indigenous Peoples’ ability to surmount challenges and shape their futures as guaranteed by international law. After twenty-five years of this mandate and twenty-five sessions of this Forum, it is clear that Indigenous Peoples’ rights are no longer on the fringes of the international system. This is one of the gains to preserve and fight for.   * Albert K. Barume was appointed as Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples in December 2024. He has over 25 years of experience working on Indigenous Peoples’ rights at national, regional and international levels. He also holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from Yale University and a PhD in International Human Rights Law from the University of Essex.   http://iwgia.org/en/news/6149-statement-by-the-un-special-rapporteur-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples.html http://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-indigenous-peoples Visit the related web page
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