Opening remarks by Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights at the High-Level Discussion celebrating the adoption of the CEDAW General Recommendation 39 on the Rights of Indigenous Women and Girls

Good morning, colleagues, and friends,

"I would like those with authority and a voice within institutions to listen and allow us to continue influencing our societies and communities". 

These are the words of an indigenous woman who spoke at a Regional Consultation for CEDAW General Recommendation 39 on the Rights of Indigenous Women and Girls.

Many Indigenous women and girls have been leaders both within and outside of their communities, and they are struggling to have their voices heard.

The adoption of the General Recommendation recognises their role as leaders, knowledge-bearers, and transmitters of culture among their peoples, communities, and families, as well as in society.

It is particularly critical at a time when humanity is grappling with several challenges, including the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss; the COVID-19 pandemic; and escalating inequalities and conflicts.

Indigenous women and girls are among the first to suffer the consequences of these crises, and their perspectives, experiences, and skills are essential in preventing and responding to them.

For example, Indigenous women and girls face existential threats because of climate change, coupled with barriers to food and water security and access to land. At the same time, they are working to address these issues and are at the forefront of local, national, and international action for a clean, safe, healthy, and sustainable environment.

Many of them act at great personal risk.

Indigenous women who are environmental human rights defenders face killings, harassment, criminalization, and the ongoing discrediting of their work.

We have an obligation to ensure their safety and eliminate all forms of violence against Indigenous women.

In this regard, the General Recommendation provides guidance on the measures that States should take to fully protect the rights of indigenous women and girls. It was informed by a series of consultations with States, civil society, international organizations, and, most importantly, indigenous women and girls themselves.

The guidance acknowledges the reality that indigenous women and girls face discrimination not only based on their gender and indigenous origin and identity but also on other grounds, such as race, age, and disability. It explains how States can prevent and respond to these intersecting forms of discrimination.

The General Recommendation calls on States to ensure the meaningful, equal, and informed participation of indigenous women and girls in decision-making free from any form of violence. This includes the use of quotas and other special measures to help them achieve equality.

Most importantly, the Committee makes specific recommendations to States parties that must duly considered and implemented.

To ensure that we advance the rights of indigenous women and girls where it matters most – in their daily lives.