WUF13 issues international call for indigenous rights protection

The World Urban Forum (WUF13) has launched its first international call for the protection of indigenous peoples' rights, Report informs.

The Baku platform hosted discussions organized by the Indigenous Peoples' Caucus.

It was noted that 500 million indigenous peoples in 90 countries suffer from massive and systematic rights violations.

"We come to the forum with full resolve. Without the meaningful and safe participation of indigenous peoples, it is impossible to talk about inclusive urban development. We are being displaced from our lands without prior consent and resettlement plans," the call states.

It was noted that approximately 200 million people worldwide have been displaced as a result of approximately 132 conflicts, 80% of which occur in indigenous peoples' areas.

The discussions proposed making the principle of free and prior informed consent a fundamental requirement for any urban planning: "Housing must be culturally appropriate and meet the specific needs of indigenous peoples, and land must not be considered a commodity."