“Tackling the Inequality Pandemic: A New Social Contract for a New Era”

This year’s theme to mark the United Nations International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples celebrated on the 9th of August every year is, “Tackling the Inequality Pandemic: A New Social Contract for a New Era” The need for re-examining our mode of being in our world had been raised, especially by Indigenous Peoples, since the start of the pandemic. Indigenous Peoples for a long time have been exposing the risks we are imposing on our planet, and advocating for solutions based on pluralism that includes Indigenous ways of living and relationship with the land. However, Indigenous Peoples have always been in a troubled relationship with the state and historically have been dispossessed of control over their lands and territories, including plundering of their resources, militarization and occupation to facilitate state agenda. Indigenous brothers and sisters, your audacity awakens the spirit of this journey. Your resilience and your persistent journey in pursuit of self-determination that respects your lands and territories, institutions, Indigenous knowledge and systems rooted in the symbiotic relationship and respect for nature, inspires us every day. So, continue to share your struggles and stories of courage for peace, justice and reconciliation!

Gam A. Shimray
Secretary General
Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact

For the full statement please click here https://bit.ly/3xpnRN8