International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC) Statement
International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC) Statement Open Ended Consultation by the Incoming Presidency of COP21/CMP on the expectation for the Paris Conference
June 9 2015
Thank you chair for this opportunity to express the expectation of indigenous peoples constituency for the Paris Conference. My name is Jannie Staffansson, speaking on behalf of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC). We would like to propose the following recommendations:
Prior to COP16, COP17 and COP20 the host country hosted and funded a two to three-day preparatory meetings between indigenous peoples and states. This gave us the opportunity to present our positions and seek support from the states. We request the French government to carry on this good practice.
There are limited indigenous peoples organizations accredited to the UNFCCC. More than 300 indigenous peoples’ representatives are going to participate in the COP21. Therefore we would like to request the incoming Presidency of COP21 to allocate as many slots as possible for accredited indigenous peoples’ organizations.
Many indigenous peoples cannot communicate in English and national languages. This automatically imposes challenges to indigenous peoples during their visa application process. Therefore, we would like to request the incoming Presidency to instruct all the French embassies in different countries to give adequate and appropriate attention to the specific needs of indigenous peoples’ representatives during their visa application process.
We acknowledge France’s long-term commitment to human rights and we as indigenous peoples share that concern. The paragraph on human rights must be strengthened and maintained in the operative section of the agreement and contain specific reference to the rights of indigenous peoples.
Indigenous women play a vital role in sustainable eco-systems management and sustainable agriculture systems, which provides food security and food sovereignty for millions of indigenous peoples. This should be respected, acknowledged and enhanced.
