HRC63: States must protect Indigenous territories and those who defend our natural and cultural heritage

On 23 September, ISHR and the Coordinadora Nacional de Defensa de Territorios Indígenas Originarios Campesinos y Áreas Protegidas (CONTIOCAP) from Bolivia, delivered a statement during the 63rd Human Rights Council session annual panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. This year’s panel focused on the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage: Indigenous Peoples’ rights and engagement. 

The statement stressed that damage to Indigenous lands and sacred rivers also threatens cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and ways of life. The statement drew attention to mining, forest fires, oil exploration, hydroelectric projects and waterways that are affecting territories and natural resources on which Indigenous communities depend.

Environmental destruction threatens Indigenous communities

The statement highlighted the impact of mercury contamination on Indigenous communities, including women and children. This concern has already been echoed by various Special Procedures stating that the lack of adequate legislation to regulate the use of mercury in artisanal gold mining is impacting not only the environment but also the enjoyment of human rights of Indigenous communities. Moreover, mining is also increasing in Indigenous territories and in particular in the context of extraction of critical minerals needed for the energy transition. 

Between 2019 and 2025, forest fires in Bolivia have consumed more than 30 million hectares of forest  The statement  links this to the  destruction caused by the expansion of agribusiness in some territories, with losses of biodiversity and native seeds and the destruction of the homes of Indigenous Peoples living in isolation.

Oil exploration, hydroelectric projects and waterways were also identified as threats to water resources which are considered sacred for many Indigenous communities who have a close and spiritual relationship with them. 

Protecting Indigenous defenders

The statement also drew attention to the criminalisation and harassment of Indigenous defenders. People who protect their lands, rivers and communities can face threats, violence and loss of life. The attacks against Indigenous defenders and communities would also result in the loss of lives and with this, the loss of cultural memory and identity. 

The States called on States to: 

1. a) Ensure that Indigenous Peoples can defend their rights safely by ending the criminalisation and harassment of Indigenous Peoples.  
2. b) Safeguard life, respect Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination and uphold international standards, referring specifically to the International Labour Organization’s Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (No. 169).
3. c) Respect for Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination in accordance with international instruments including the ILO Convention No. 169 . The Convention also recognises Indigenous Peoples’ right to participate in decisions that affect them, to decide their own development priorities and to be consulted when projects may affect their lands and natural resources.

The statement was delivered by Ruth Alipaz, an Indigenous Women Defenders from Bolivia and member of the CONTIOCAP. Watch the full statement: