Minister Sukhai said CARICOM is calling for greater technical cooperation and targeted funding for Indigenous-led initiatives, especially those that protect culture, promote sustainable development and build community resilience. The 24th Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is being held at the UN’s headquarters in New York under the theme: ‘Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within United Nations Member States and the United Nations system, including identifying good practices and addressing challenges.’  In her address on Tuesday, Minister Sukhai said that CARICOM welcomes this year’s focus on the practical implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples UNDRIP, and reaffirm its commitment to advancing its principles, ensuring that the rights of Indigenous Peoples are fully respected, protected, and realized across our region. She noted, “Indigenous Peoples are a foundational part of our region’s identity and history. Their spiritual and ecological connection to the land and sea continues to shape who we are today. Their knowledge and leadership offer perspectives and solutions that are essential to advancing our sustainable development and building climate resilience.

According to the Minister, CARICOM Member States continue to advance efforts that uphold and promote the rights of Indigenous Peoples through initiatives like supporting cultural revitalization, and creating dedicated ministries or departments that focus on Indigenous affairs. Also, by improving access to essential services such as education and healthcare, and integrating traditional knowledge into environmental and disaster planning. Sukhai said too that engagement with Indigenous communities is central to CARICOM’s approach and that member states continue to strengthen inclusive platforms for dialogue that enable Indigenous Peoples to actively contribute to policy formulation, including on climate action and biodiversity protection. However, there is still work to do. We continue to work on building institutional capacity, collecting disaggregated data, and ensuring that policies are fully inclusive and effective on the ground. As we address these challenges, CARICOM emphasizes the importance of enhanced collaboration between governments, Indigenous Peoples, and international partners,” the Minister told the UN forum. (Kaieteur News)