Geneva, Sep 20 (UNI) Progress that destroys traditional culture, language, land and human heritage 'is not development, but wilful', destruction the UN deputy human rights chief has said in defence of indigenous people everywhere.
Kate Gilmore’s comments were followed by the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, Ms. Victoria Tauli Corpuz, who expressed concern at a “drastic increase” in attacks against indigenous peoples, and efforts to criminalize them, a United Nations statement said on Wednesday.
In her address to the Human Rights Council, Deputy High Commissioner Gilmore urged Member States to push for the “full inclusion” of all 370 million indigenous peoples in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which calls on all nations to eradicate poverty and inequality.