Advancing the Global Initiative to Address and Prevent Criminalization, Violence, and Impunity Against Indigenous Peoples

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.

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