International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples: upholding Indigenous Peoples' rights for a just and sustainable future

Indigenous Peoples are among the most affected by the impacts of climate change. They are also the protectors of biodiversity and guardians of the resources of the lands and the seas. Their ancestral knowledge, cultural practices and collective rights are vital to achieving climate justice and Just Transition to greener and fairer economies.

Despite their critical role, Indigenous Peoples continue to face systemic exclusion from decision-making, widespread violations of their rights and increased exposure to the adverse impacts of climate change and environmental hazards. Many live in regions threatened by deforestation, extractive industries and climate-induced displacement. Transition to low-carbon economies cannot reproduce these injustices; it must rectify them.

Just Transition must guarantee the full participation of Indigenous Peoples in shaping decisions impacting them. Their voices must be heard in local, national and international climate dialogues, and their rights to land, to free, prior and informed consent, and self-determination must be fully respected and protected in law and in practice.

Trade unions are committed to work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to advance social dialogue, decent work and rights-based climate action through Just Transition. This includes ensuring that investments do not displace Indigenous Peoples or exploit their resources; that employment opportunities arising from transition are inclusive, dignified and aligned with their needs.

The ILO Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (No.169) has so far only been ratified by 24 countries. ITUC calls on all governments to ratify and implement this Convention, and to embed Indigenous Peoples’ rights at the core of Just Transition strategies. The fight against climate change is inseparable from the fight for the rights of Indigenous Peoples worldwide. On this day of recognition, we affirm that no transition can be just if it exclude those who have protected the planet for generations.

In December 2024 the ILO held its first Global Dialogue on Just Transition With Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Belém, Brazil. The event saw the participation of indigenous leaders as well as government, employer and worker members from 21 countries. The discussions focused on mitigating climate change and boosting social and economic inclusion. These discussions highlight the importance of Just Transition that is inclusive of all indigenous peoples.

ITUC also organised a virtual meeting on 26/27 February with affiliated trade union confederations, where participants shared their experiences of organising Indigenous & First Nations workers and their inclusion in unions, and discussed specific challenges they are facing in their respective countries.

Also see Equal Times article on: https://www.equaltimes.org/in-the-aftermath-of-the-voice