5. Centers of Defenders

To support and empower indigenous human rights defenders across Asia, AIPP has launched its ‘Centers of Defenders’ initiative. During the 2024 Asia Preparatory Meeting for UN engagement, AIPP officially recognized two pioneering institutions as the first designated Centers of Defenders: Kapaeeng Foundation (Bangladesh) and Lawyers’ Association for Human Rights of Nepalese Indigenous Peoples (LAHURNIP).

The ‘Center of Defenders’ (COD) designation recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Human Rights Defenders organisations that demonstrate:

• Courageous Leadership and commitment to protecting indigenous rights;
• Consistent frontline defense of indigenous communities, and effective interventions against criminalization of defenders; and
• Impactful contributions that advance indigenous self-determination, justice and dignity while fostering equitable peace.

More than a program, the COD embodies the collective aspirations of AIPP and the IPHRD Network—turning our shared vision for justice into concrete protection and empowerment.

The COD serves as an inspiration for the IPHRD network, demonstrating courageous leadership in action. It is also a living testament to indigenous resilience, offering tangible hope to communities under threat.

While AIPP provides foundational support for the CODs, these centers will serve as dynamic engines of change—working in tandem with AIPP to propel our collective vision forward through four key pillars: capacity-building, knowledge-sharing, solidarity, and advocacy.

The CODs will serve as a driving force in mobilizing and empowering Indigenous women human rights defenders, while strategically amplifying their advocacy impact. To operationalize this commitment, clear guidelines for focal and member organizations on safeguarding indigenous women defenders will be developed. A robust complaint mechanism will also be developed to enable swift, effective responses to threats against indigenous women and intersectional groups. And protective measures that address both their immediate security needs and long-term safety planning will be implemented.

This initiative will also create multiplier effects across AIPP’s core priorities: cultivating a new generation of indigenous leaders, advancing gender-responsive protection systems, strengthening self-governance and territorial sovereignty, and implementing UNDRIP at community and national levels.

As they effectively challenge systemic oppression and injustice at all levels, Indigenous Human Rights Defenders will receive, through our CODs, comprehensive support to fearlessly advance indigenous rights and collectively strengthen movements for self-determination.