Summary

In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Ahmed Shaheed, initiates a critical conversation within the UN system and beyond on obstacles and opportunities facing indigenous peoples' freedom of religion or belief—a largely overlooked subject. Understanding indigenous peoples and their diverse religions or beliefs is impossible without acknowledging historical and ongoing experiences of discrimination, violence, and hostility, even threatening their spiritual, cultural, and physical survival. The Special Rapporteur explores "indigenous spirituality" as a typically nature-based "way of life," documents experiences of affected rights-holders—from forced displacement to environmental destruction—and proposes recommendations to protect and promote freedom of religion or belief of indigenous peoples, consistent with international law.