Learn more aboue global processes, the Indigenous Peoples' movement and IWGIA's work in countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia and how Indigenous Peoples are reacting to and are affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Indigenous Peoples at increased risk due to coronavirus
Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Defenders are more at risk of being targeted as movement is restricted and governments broaden laws.
Already marginalised, Indigenous Peoples chronically lack proper access to health resources and information, further exacerbating the risk to their communities in times of emergency.
Indigenous Peoples are responding to the pandemic using self-determined protection mechanisms.
As several friends, indigenous individuals and love ones get infected with COVID-19 and some have passed away I am terribly concerned. Concerned because some of these deaths could have been avoided if we have more humane and caring politicians, societies and governance systems. Concerned, because if we do not learn lessons from this tragedy, we will not see an end to this.
Many aspects contribute to the vulnerability and particular risk for Indigenous People in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The following are voices speaking directly from different Indigenous communities on the impacts, concerns, and responses to the new challenges raised by the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America.
The compulsory isolation declared by several countries to prevent the spread of COVID-19 calls for reflection on the isolation that several Indigenous Peoples have chosen in order to survive external intervention that, with different interests, triggers diseases and deaths, disrupts their daily lives and endangers their future.
By –Dilip Chakma, Convenor, Indigenous Lawyers Association of India (ILAI) and Paritosh Chakma, Advisor, ILAI
Introduction
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared as a pandemic and its impact on the world is yet to be fully assessed. Indigenous peoples living on the margins of the society are unlikely to be considered in the scheme of responses and reactions by most of the States.
Indigenous Peoples at increased risk due to coronavirus
Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Defenders are more at risk of being targeted, as movement is restricted and governments broaden laws
Already marginalised, Indigenous Peoples chronically lack proper access to health resources and information, further exacerbating the risk to their communities in times of emergency
Indigenous Peoples’ are responding to the pandemic using self-determined protection mechanisms
COPENHAGEN | 30 MARCH 2020 | As the spread of COVID-19 continues, Indigenous Peoples worldwide are in increasing danger of losing their lives and having their rights strippedaway.
IWGIA - International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs - is a global human rights organisation dedicated to promoting, protecting and defending indigenous peoples’ rights. Read more.
Indigenous World
IWGIA's global report, the Indigenous World, provides an update of the current situation for indigenous peoples worldwide. Read The Indigenous World.
