EMRIP19: Agenda Item 12 – Proposals to be submitted to the Human Rights Council for its consideration and approval

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

13^th to 17^th July 2026, Geneva, Switzerland

Joint Statement on

Agenda Item 12: Proposals to be submitted to the Human Rights Council for its consideration and approval

Presented by: Jagat Bahadur Baram, on behalf of Asia Indigenous Peoples Caucus

Thank you, Chair,

As we approach the 20th anniversary of UNDRIP, the Asia Indigenous Caucus emphasizes that global climate action must align with UN80 Reform and international human rights obligations under Article 46.3. The rapid scaling of the “just transition” and critical mineral extraction has intensified environmental degradation, particularly through mass plantation and agribusiness expansion. This has triggered severe Indigenous health crises, acutely impacting Indigenous women and persons with disabilities. Concurrently, the politically sensitive issue of Indigenous Peoples displaced into non-Indigenous territories demands urgent human rights oversight. To ensure domestic legal and policy reviews – such as those critically needed regarding recent developments in Nepal and Bangladesh – comply with international standards, we propose the following strategic actions for the Human Rights Council’s for its consideration and approval:

1. A Thematic Study on Just Transition, Critical Minerals, and Agribusiness: We propose a comprehensive study assessing the cumulative impacts of green energy extraction and mass plantation expansion on Indigenous lands, specifically evaluating the distinct health and socioeconomic vulnerabilities of Indigenous women and persons with disabilities.
2. A Thematic Report and Panel Discussion on Displaced Indigenous Peoples: We propose an expert report followed by a dedicated panel discussion addressing the rights, legal protections, and political sensitivities surrounding Indigenous Peoples living in non-Indigenous territories.

Furthermore, we call for a formal evaluation tracking the domestic implementation of EMRIP’s advice issued since 2009. Moving forward, the Asia Caucus will initiate immediate brainstorming sessions with EMRIP members and other experts to precisely refine these topics. We urge the Human Rights Council to approve these proposals to bridge the gap between global frameworks and domestic realities in Asia.

Thank you.

Click here to download the full statement on EMRIP19 Agenda Item 12