EMRIP16: Item 8 – Panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples to engage freely in all their traditional and other economic activities, with a focus on fishing practices.

16^th session of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP)
20^th July 2023, Geneva, Switzerland
Join Statement on
Agenda Item 8: Panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples to engage freely in all their traditional and other economic activities, with a focus on fishing practices.
On behalf of Asia Indigenous Peoples Caucus
Presented by Frederic Wilson, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP)

Dear Madam Chair,

Constituting a substantial portion of small-scale fishers in Asia, Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately exposed to human rights challenges from a broad range of business operations, not limited to the fisheries and aquaculture industries. These include coerced labor and human trafficking, insufficient access to marine and inland resources and markets, exclusion from decision-making processes, and a lack of recognition of their human rights, including the right to a healthy environment and customary rights. In addition, pollution and waste from surface vessels and deep-sea mining activities threaten marine species and may adversely impact fishing and seafood harvesting industries, placing the livelihoods and culture of Indigenous Peoples at risk. These challenges are further compounded by illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing practices. 

The importance of environmental, socio-cultural, and economic impact assessments, proper and continuation for Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from conservation and sustainable use of fisheries resources shall be emphasized.   

Therefore, we would like to call upon the member states, Expert members, and other relevant stakeholders:

1. The recognition by the Government as enshrined in the UNDRIP, including the roles of NHRI, to the IPs of Marine, coastal and small islands are very much needed.
2. To urge government to recognize that Indigenous Peoples have the knowledge and ability to successfully conserve and manage biodiverse ecosystems more effectively at a lower cost, especially when their human rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.
3. To prioritize the promotion of sustainable and equitable small-scale fisheries that effectively safeguard the human rights of Indigenous Peoples, in line with the principles outlined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and ILO Convention No. 169 as well as relevant human rights and other norms and standards.
4. Indigenous community-based model should be supported by the government and other stakeholders to allows for building the momentum to manage and restore their fisheries resources and livelihoods.

 Thank you, Madam Chair.

Click here to download the full statement on Item 8 panel discussion