SHAH ALAM - European Union (EU) has declared their stand in solidarity with the indigenous people worldwide to mark today's International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.
The European Union in a statement said their unity with more than 476 million indigenous people worldwide is focused on on committing respect, protection and fulfilment of the rights of indigenous peoples as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and international human rights law.
They also highlighted the impact of environmental issues on the communities despite their role as the defenders of biological adversity in the world.
"Indigenous people inhabit nearly a quarter of the world’s land surface. They are critical custodians and defenders of more than 80 % of our biological diversity and have a profound understanding of sustainable land management.
"At the same time, they are among the most affected by the severe impact of climate change and environmental degradation,” it said in a press release.
They also welcomed the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) since the indigenous peoples’ identities are often closely linked to their lands.
It is recorded that more than 4,000 indigenous languages are threatened because many of them are neither taught at school, nor used in the public sphere.
In addition, the EU said their commitment in encouraging the inclusion of indigenous leaders and human rights advocates in development initiatives and significant international decision-making forums as well as establishing rules on business conduct.
"The EU is also taking action for more effective rules on responsible business conduct to foster sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour, including on indigenous lands,” they added.
They further touched on their attempts at bringing forward the situation of human rights defenders where at least 358 of them were killed in 2021.
It said the EU will continue to leverage its policies, dialogues, financing instruments and all other tools to support indigenous peoples, and to end impunity.
In relation to this, the EU Delegation in Malaysia has been working on a video series on sustainability and climate change as part of the ongoing relationship between the European Union and Malaysia. 'Learn to Live Again: Steps Toward Sustainability' is a five-part video series that highlights the effects of climate change as well as what can be done to protect the oceans, forests, and climate.
The second video was launched in celebration for the World Indigenous Day on August 9, entitled ‘Suara Anak Bumi: Voices of the Indigenous People of Malaysia’ depicting the harmonious lives of the Orang Asli Tribes in Peninsula Malaysia and the Orang Asal of Sabah and Sarawak with the forest and nature.