Call for an end to systematic human rights violations against indigenous mothers

The Guajira region is populated with 65% indigenous and Pre-Columbian people. To this day, these people are driven out of their own land, intimidated and forcibly displaced. They are denied their most basic rights, whether civil, political, socio-economic or cultural. They live in situations of dire vulnerability. This region, which is rich in coal and gas, wind and sun, continues to see the prioritization of multinationals over the welfare and wellbeing of indigenous people, and the sustainability of their land and natural environment.

Indigenous women, mothers in particular, face other challenges and human rights violations. In addition to poverty, exclusion, discrimination and rampant violence, they are totally excluded from local politics and decision-making, impacting their lives. The pandemic only made matters worse.

We are therefore calling on the international community and governments across the world to:

• Stop being complicit in these all too systematic human rights violations against indigenous people
• Hold transnational companies to account so that they fully respect the human rights of indigenous people, work with local communities, and positively and sustainably contribute to the development of these regions
• Work with and invest in local indigenous communities, by developing basic infrastructure and services, including education, health, water and sanitation, transportation and telecommunications
• Recognize that there is much to be learnt from indigenous communities across the world and to therefore give them a seat at every table

Download the full statement:  Original Spanish version – English translation

Patricia Marino, representing the EDO Group, an MMM associate member in Colombia, delivered her statement by video-message during the High Level Segment of the 49th session of the Human Rights Council, taking place at the UN in Geneva 28th February to 1st April.

The recording of the meeting is available on UN Web TV: Edo Group Intervention starts at about 27:20. 

See also our 2021 article on EDO Group’s work with vulnerable mothers in La Guajira