FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The year 2021 was a period of difficulties and challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us faced personal losses and distress, yet we persisted in doing our work even in the midst of restrictions and limitations. Now on its 2nd year of programme implementation, IPRI has made significant progress in establishing itself as a global actor in addressing the criminalization of and human rights violations against Indigenous Peoples with impunity. It continued in building partnerships and collaboration with other organizations and networks as critical steps in tackling these serious issues. Its Global Secretariat was able to conduct series of activities in relation to advocacy, networking, research and communications.
The work of IPRI has resulted to significant impacts in raising awareness and attention to the issues of the criminalization and violation of the rights of Indigenous Peoples in conservation, business operations, land rights and violence against women.
Our work with Indigenous Peoples’ organizations and allies in IPRI’s six (6) focus countries is increasingly gaining traction in defining the specific dimensions of criminalization in these countries. Likewise, IPRI’s direct support to Indigenous communities and Indigenous human rights defenders through the Legal Defense and Sanctuary Fund has been well-received and acknowledged in addressing a huge gap in the provision of financial and advocacy support to victims of human rights violations and to those facing serious threats.
As a new organization, IPRI is learning and strengthening its institutional systems and capacities for strategic leadership and improved management of the secretariat to address gaps, limitations and weaknesses.
For 2022, we hope the world would overcome this health crisis. For IPRI, we aim to build on the gains and progress made in our work so far. We shall define more clearly the direction of our work by undertaking an inclusive 5-year Strategic Planning process, and work toward more effective and responsive programme implementation and management. We shall increase our collaboration and partnership with Indigenous organizations, allies and other relevant actors in addressing the violence, criminalization and human rights violations of Indigenous Peoples with impunity. I am also delighted to announce our initiative to compile and publish digests on legislations and jurisprudence upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples at the international, regional and national levels. This will be launched during the UN Permanent Forum session in April this year. We hope this initiative will catalyze increased awareness on Indigenous Peoples’ rights based on international human rights instruments.
Joan Carling
Executive Director
