Indigenous rights are human rights and as such, indigenous peoples cannot or should not be left behind in any decision making and development as the maxim goes – nothing about us, without us.
SODELPA leader, Viliame Gavoka said this in a statement as the Party joins the global community to mark the International Day of World’s Indigenous People to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population today, Monday 9, 2021.
Mr Gavoka said One of the Party’s aims and objectives in our constitution is “to protect and promote the interests, aspirations and the rights of Indigenous Fijians and their group rights as stipulated under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the ILO Convention No. 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Rights and to ensure maximum benefits for current and future generations.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the effects of growing inequalities and promoted discussion on the urgent need to rethink a new social contract. A new common sense that will work for all peoples and the planet. It has created a unique opportunity to build back a more equal and sustainable world – one based on genuine and inclusive participation and partnership that fosters equal opportunities for all and respects the rights, dignity and freedoms of all.
“In commending all who promote and advocate for indigenous rights at home and abroad and acknowledging those engaged in the promotion and protection of Indigenous Fijian cultural traditions, arts and literature, the consolidation of the Lotu and Vanua, I ask that we care for each other in these trying and testing times.”
This year’s theme “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract.”
