The Crimean Tatar Resource Center begins a series of publications of statements by experts of the international online discussion “International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples as an instrument for protection of the rights of indigenous peoples”, which was previously held by the CTRC. For your attention the theses of Mr. Phoolman Chaudhary, Member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Distinguished Chair person, distinguished Mr. Eskender Bariiev, Head of the Crimean Tatar Resource Center, Member of Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people; distinguished Mr. Refat Chubarov, Chairman of Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people; distinguished Ms. Emine Dzhaparova, First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, distinguished my colleague Mr. Aleksei Tsykarev member of the UN permanent forum on indigenous issues, distinguished Mr. Rodion Sulyandziga, Member of EMRIP distinguished representatives of indigenous peoples, dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen,
I would express my sincere gratitude and congratulations to all of you on the auspicious occasion of International Day of the World’s Indigenous People 2020 with theme of COVID19 and Indigenous Peoples’ resilience organizing several events across the world. It is my great honor to be part of this discussion aiming various agenda of indigenous peoples particularly for Crimean indigenous peoples.
First of all, allow me to thank the organizers the Crimean Tatar Resource Center for taking such worth initiative and to thank all of you present here today to contribute for better understanding on the today’s agendas. This consultation on the valid agendas with dedication from organizer is an essential step to come up with a global visioning on the agenda of
1. Significance of Celebrating the “International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples;
2. Current Challenges for Indigenous Peoples in Crimea;
3. Roadmap for Ukraine on Indigenous Issues;
4. Indigenous Peoples of Crimea in Modern World;
5. The process of development the International Standards for Indigenous Peoples Rights;
6. Preparing for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032 – Opportunities for Ukraine and its indigenous peoples.
Of course, Indigenous peoples and local communities are holders of rights to selfdetermination, to be consulted in matters affecting them, to their lands, territories and resources, and to maintain and develop their culture, traditions, beliefs and spirituality in the first hand and universality and indivisibility of all human rights are precursor to any policy that states adopt.
“International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples as an instrument for protection the rights of indigenous peoples” the discussion for today, as I understand, is organized to contrive way forward from policy to action in attaining global goals to realize human rights with a socially just environment and sustainable development where indigenous peoples act as highest gear of peace. We Indigenous peoples live in all corner of the world and own, occupy or use some 22% of global land area. Numbering at least 370-500 million, indigenous peoples represent the greater part of the world’s cultural diversity, and have created and speak the major share of the world’s almost 7000 languages. Indigenous people have a profound spiritual connection to their lands, natural resources and Language.
At the same time, we have already celebrated The International Year of Indigenous Languages 2019 last year it helps us to raise awareness of the urgent need to preserve, revitalize and promote indigenous languages throughout the world. Now we are aiming to celebrate the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032. Therefore, we have to be more dynamic and responsible for the celebration of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032 to make effective achievement of indigenous peoples’ languages.
If we look current situation of language, currently 6,000-7,000 languages in existence, although 97% of the world's population only speaks around 4% of them. The vast majority of minority languages are spoken mainly by indigenous people, and will continue to disappear at an alarming rate if measures are not taken to safeguard them also Indigenous youth are faced with complex questions regarding their identity and values losing their mother language. Without an adequate response to address this problem, the history, traditions and memories of the people who speak these languages will be lost, and linguistic diversity will be considerably reduced throughout the world.
So, I call upon to focus attention on these critical issues, and to take steps towards global collective action to addressthem. On this International Day, we reaffirm to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted in 2007, and we call on the international community to mobilize to ensure the full respect of indigenous peoples' dignity, well-being and fundamental freedoms. let us commit to fully realizing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including the rights to self-determination and traditional lands, territories, resources and languages. And, wherever they live, let us ensure that indigenous peoples enjoy recognition for their contributions and the opportunity to thrive and prosper in peace on a healthy planet.
Furthermore, as being a member of the UNPFII I take the opportunity to highlight its commitment to continue to support and engage with, in partnership with Crimean indigenous peoples, Member States, indigenous peoples’ organizations and other partners to accelerate action in preserving, revitalizing and promoting indigenous peoples’ rights and self-driven development by respecting UN DRIP and ILO convention 169 at all level.
I truly believe, this discussion will be able to address core issues that are connected with sustainable development, justice, peace and prosperity around the globe. I also expect from the Conference that some specific area of maximum utilization of youth potentials in the area of rural development, environmental conservation, tourism promotion and promoting and preserving the mother tongue to speed up the developmental initiatives and achieve prosperity. Finally, I would say, Let’s bring our commitments to the reality with priority in every step for a better environment for indigenous peoples around the world including Ukraine. I am sure that we can certainly achieve our mission and commitments thinking together and doing together. I thank you once again all for your kind attention and look forward to your close cooperation on common agenda of the indigenous peoples’ rights at all level. I wish a successful and productive Conference and congratulate the organizers for this great achievement. Thank you!