Indigenous peoples are among those most adversely affected by climate change, despite their small carbon footprint. In large part, this is because of their close relationship with nature, and their dependence on it for their livelihoods. It is therefore essential that indigenous peoples are actively involved in climate actions at all levels and that their rights are respected.

A variety of articles in the Declaration establish the framework for this to happen. These include, among others, Articles 3 (self-determination), 18 (participation in decision-making in matters that would affect their rights), 19 (free, prior, and informed consent for legislative or administrative measures that may affect them), and 32 (free, prior, and informed consent for projects affecting their lands, territories, and resources) . In addition, the preamble to the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement states specifically that in all climate actions, parties should “respect, promote, and consider their respective obligations on . . . the rights of indigenous peoples . . . .”

Resources:

Colorado Law Hosts UNPF Meeting on Indigenous Peoples in a Greening Economy

Colorado Law Hosts UNPF Meeting on Indigenous Peoples in a Greening Economy

Manuel Heart, Chairman of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, provides a welcome and blessing for participants.Photo credit: University of Colorado ...
Cop 26 Logo

Indigenous Peoples and Climate Change: Preparing for COP26

On October 20, 2021, the American Indian Law Program at Colorado Law hosted a webinar panel on Indigenous Peoples and ...
Defend the Sacred

Defend the Sacred

From North Dakota’s Standing Rock encampments to Arizona’s San Francisco Peaks, Native Americans have repeatedly asserted legal rights to religious ...
Guidelines on Free, Prior and Informed Consent (UN-REDD)

Guidelines on Free, Prior and Informed Consent (UN-REDD)

From the guidelines: https://un-declaration.narf.org/wp-content/uploads/2013unredd-fpic-guidelines.pdf The UN-REDD Programme is the United Nations collaborative initiative on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest ...
Manual for Project Managers: Free Prior and Informed Consent (Food and Agricultural Organization, UN)

Manual for Project Managers: Free Prior and Informed Consent (Food and Agricultural Organization, UN)

From the manual: "This Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) Manual is designed as a tool for project practitioners (herein ...
Guidance Note, UN Development Programme Social and Environmental Standards for Standard 6: Indigenous Peoples

Guidance Note, UN Development Programme Social and Environmental Standards for Standard 6: Indigenous Peoples

https://un-declaration.narf.org/wp-content/uploads/undp-guidance-note.pdf From the report: United Nation Development Programme’s (UNDP) work with indigenous peoples is grounded on its overall vision to ...
Guide: Know Your Rights! United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for Indigenous Adolescents

Guide: Know Your Rights! United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for Indigenous Adolescents

https://un-declaration.narf.org/wp-content/uploads/un-adolescents-guide2013.pdf The text for Know Your Rights! (written for adolescent boys and girls, aged 13 –18 years) was prepared by ...
British Columbia becomes 1st Canadian province to pass UN Indigenous rights declaration

British Columbia becomes 1st Canadian province to pass UN Indigenous rights declaration

British Columbia has become the first jurisdiction in Canada to pass legislation implementing the United Nations Declaration on Indigenous Peoples ...