International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC)

Copenhagen, 7 December 2009

Statement on Shared Vision under AWG LCA

Delivered by Ms. Joan U Carling, Co-Chairperson- IIPFCC 

The International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC) here in Copenhagen, which unites indigenous peoples’ representatives from all over the world, urges the Conference of Parties (COP) and all other bodies under the UNFCCC to abide by their commitments to achieve a legally binding agreement in this meeting to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are destroying our Mother Earth.  We join the urgent call and appeals of peoples around the world that NOW is the time to ACT, and to ACT with ambitious commitments before it is too late! We only have one Mother Earth, and those most responsible for climate change also hold the greatest responsibility for her protection.

Within the Shared Vision of the Long Term Cooperative Action that sets the principles and framework for the LCA agreement, we, as indigenous peoples from the world over, who are impacted directly, not only by the effects climate change but also by the decisions that governments take in these negotiations, underscore the urgent need for the inclusion of international human rights standards within the framework of LCA, particularly the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).  The collective rights of indigenous peoples, including our rights to lands, territories and resources, as well as to the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples, subject to our Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), must be explicitly included in the Shared Vision. The protection of the collective rights of indigenous peoples must be guaranteed, including the recognition of our roles and contributions to climate change mitigation and adaptation through our traditional knowledge, innovations and practices. 

The inclusion of the collective rights of indigenous peoples consistent with the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples  (UNDRIP) as part of the Shared Vision of the LCA will provide the framework and guarantee for constructive engagements between indigenous peoples and states in addressing climate change. It will also enhance the invaluable contributions of our indigenous communities in finding real solutions to climate change.

We, indigenous peoples, are rights-holders and not just stakeholders. Our human rights are guaranteed in human rights conventions and other international and regional agreements, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as well as through jurisprudence from human rights courts.  Our human rights are affected in these climate change processes, and the UNFCCC Parties must not deny and neglect this fact, nor their obligations.

Finally, Mr. Chair,

Climate change and some false solutions being offered by parties threaten to dissolve our rights. If the United Nations recognizes our rights, it must do so throughout the United Nations system. Human rights cannot be selectively recognized or they cease to be rights. We demand Parties and the Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC to protect and recognize our rights, and to uphold their commitments and responsibilities.