The Global Naga Forum (GNF) submitted a written statement to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), urging it to consider the specific challenges faced by the indigenous Naga people residing in northeast India and northwest Myanmar in the context of economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health, and human rights.
The 23rd session of the UNPFII commenced on 15 April at the UN Headquarters in New York and will conclude on April 26. The session is held under the theme ‘Enhancing indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination in the context of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Emphasising the voices of Indigenous youth’.
UNPFII is a high- level advisory body to the Economic and Social Council established in the year 2000 with the mandate to deal with indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.
The GNF in its statement, focusing on Agenda Item 4 concerning the mandated areas of the UNPFII, said that the Naga people have endured a prolonged struggle for self-determination, spanning over seven decades, amidst numerous challenges and injustices.
GNF stated that the Naga homeland continues to grapple with “persistent militarization, perpetuated by draconian laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA),” resulting not only in human rights violations but hindering socio-economic development.
It also mentioned that the recent decision by the Indian government to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement with Myanmar and erect a border fence poses grave threats to the cultural and social fabric of the Nagas. “This divisive measure not only separates Naga villages but also disrupts traditional cross-border interactions essential for cultural exchange and economic activities,” GNF said.
It also said that the “forced conscription of Naga youth by the Myanmar military junta exacerbates the vulnerability of indigenous families, particularly women and children, and disrupts educational pursuits, thereby undermining the right to education and human dignity.”
It also mentioned that the massacre of 13 Konyak Naga youth at Oting in Mon District of Nagaland, in December 2021, by Indian army special commandos, remains unresolved. “Despite clear culpability established by the Naga Police’s own investigations, the Union Defence Minister of India’s refusal to pursue justice represents yet another denial of justice and perpetuates a culture of impunity,” it added.
In light of these challenges, the GNF fervently appealed to the Permanent Forum to use its good offices and engage with relevant stakeholders to address the following:
1. Ensuring the protection of indigenous rights, including the right to self-determination, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship, in alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
2. Urgently addressing the militarization of the Naga homeland and advocating for the repeal of draconian laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which undermine human rights and impede socio-economic development.
3. Facilitating meaningful consultations with indigenous communities, including Naga representatives, in the formulation and implementation of policies and programs related to economic and social development, education, health, and human rights.
4. Calling upon the Indian and Myanmar governments to respect the rights of indigenous peoples, including the right to maintain and develop contacts, relations, and cooperation across borders, as enshrined in Article 36 of UNDRIP.
5. Supporting initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting inclusive peace processes for the resolution of longstanding political disputes, such as the Indo-Naga issue, through dialogue and negotiation.
The GNF sais it stands ready to collaborate with the Permanent Forum and other relevant stakeholders in advancing the rights and well-being of the indigenous Naga people. “We urge collective action to address the multifaceted challenges faced by indigenous communities and ensure their meaningful participation in shaping a sustainable and equitable future,” the GNF added.