EMRIP19: Agenda Item 11 – Future work of the Expert Mechanism, including follow-up to recommendations made in previous studies and advice

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 11: Future work of the Expert Mechanism, including follow-up to recommendations made in previous studies and advice

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

Thank you, Chair.

The Asia Indigenous Peoples’ Caucus acknowledges the importance of EMRIP work, studies and mandates. We also appreciate the recent studies on “the rights of Indigenous Peoples in conflict and post-conflict situations”, which have provided an opportunity on how States, participating in and understanding this study, is critically important for several structure, legal and security reasons.

Asia is home to two-thirds of the world’s Indigenous Peoples about 350 million of Indigenous Peoples, still we remain challenged. The States that still continue to reject our inherent right to the oppression of our self-determination. The excessive development and use of Artificial Intelligence, alarming that governments, academics and business enterprises are creating datasets from our Indigenous knowledge and languages, and making them accessible for artificial intelligence use.

Therefore, we call upon to the Expert Members;

• Revisit our last year recommendation, to conduct dialogues and studies with the Indigenous Peoples and Member States in Asia to achieve recognition of the right of Indigenous Peoples as the principal of the UNDRIP, and to urge Member States to comply with the UNDRIP and act in accordance with international laws.
• To conduct 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.
• To prepare the thematic report followed by a dedicated panel discussion addressing the Indigenous rights, legal protections, and political sensitivities surrounding Indigenous Peoples living in non-Indigenous territories.

• To issue specific guidance on artificial intelligence that upholds our rights, is developed in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, implements the UNDRIP, respects our right to self-determination and Indigenous data sovereignty.

Thank you, Chair.

Click here to download the full statement on EMRIP19 Item 11