Indigenous Peoples’ Sovereignty Amidst Conflict: Addressing Resource Militarization and Land Rights in Asia

The 19th Session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP)

Topic: Indigenous Peoples’ Sovereignty Amidst Conflict: Addressing Resource Militarization and Land Rights in Asia

Proposing lead Organization: Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP)

Co-organizers:

• Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Defenders (IPHRDs) Network in Asia
• Network of Indigenous Women in Asia (NIWA)
• Asia Indigenous Youth Platform (AIPP)

Format: Side Event

Date & time:14 July 2026 from 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM

Venue: Room V at Building A at Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.

I. Rationale

In Asia, conflicts affecting Indigenous Peoples are often closely linked to struggles over land, territories, resources, and the right to self-determination. Many Indigenous territories across the region experience significant militarization, which is frequently associated with the expansion of large-scale extractive industries, infrastructure projects, and so-called “green” development initiatives that result in land dispossession. As the EMRIP prepares its 2026 thematic study, AIPP emphasizes that sustainable and inclusive peace cannot be achieved without addressing the root causes of conflict, including land dispossession, and ensuring the full and effective implementation of the principle of FPIC in all reconstruction, development, and peacebuilding efforts.

II. Objectives

• To illustrate the link between militarization and the erosion of Indigenous customary governance systems in Asia.
• To advocate for the inclusion of Indigenous-led conflict resolution mechanisms in national peacebuilding and peace frameworks.
• To strengthen the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ Human Rights Defenders (IPHRDs) in conflict-affected areas.
• To promote Indigenous data sovereignty and digital security as essential tools for documenting conflicts, protecting rights, and supporting peacebuilding efforts.

III. Proposed Speakers, Panel Structure & Time Allocation

Moderator: Frederic Wilson, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP)

Speakers:

• Rinda Yamashiro, Secretary of Network of Indigenous Women in Asia
• Shinako Oyakawa, ACSILs
• Binota Moy Dhamai, Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum and Ex member of EMRIP
• Mr. Jagat Baram, AIPP Executive Council Member
• Special Intervention:
• Gam A. Shimray, Member of the Expert Mechanism (EMRIP), Asia Representatives  
• Dr. Albert K Barume, UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNSRIP)
• Ms. Jennifer Tauli Corpuz, UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) (tbc)

Vote of thanks: Hellan Empaing, AIPP Executive Council Member and President of Network of Indigenous Peoples in Malaysia (JOAS)

Suggested Time Allocation:

• Moderator Introduction: 2 minutes
• 4 Main speakers: 5 minutes each (20 minutes in total)
• 3 Special Interventions: 8 Minutes each (24 minutes in total)
• Quick QnA: 10 minutes
• Vote of thanks: 2 minutes
• Final closing remarks (Moderator): 2 minutes

IV. Key Discussion Points

– Green Dispossession: Militarized conservation and its role in modern conflict.

– Digital Democracy: Protecting communities from surveillance in conflict-affected areas.

-Transitional Justice: Ensuring Indigenous-led customary laws are recognized in peace accords.

V. Expected Outcomes

• Development of Asia-specific recommendations to contribute to the EMRIP 2026 Thematic Study.
• Greater international awareness of the challenges facing Indigenous Peoples’ sovereignty amidst conflict, particularly in relation to resource militarization and land rights in Asia.
• Enhanced engagement and dialogue between Asian Indigenous Peoples’ leaders and UN mandate holders on Indigenous Peoples’ sovereignty, conflict-related challenges, resource militarization, and land rights in Asia.