American Jewish World Service (AJWS)’s Post

As young people, we have grown up hearing stories of Fiji’s troubled past—the coups of 1987, 2000, and 2006. But what we’ve come to understand is that these events were not the beginning of our nation’s struggles. Our history of conflict did not begin with the coups. The roots of our current tensions stretch back to the colonial era, during which the British Empire played a significant role in shaping Fiji’s societal landscape. In 1874, Fiji was ceded to Britain, and with that began a period of colonization that introduced deep and lasting divisions within our society. The British colonizers were primarily interested in Fiji for its political and economic interests, including the trade of sugar. And to enable the operation of this industry, they brought over 60,000 Indian labourers, known as Girmitiyas, under the indentured labour system. These Girmitiyas were subjected to harsh working conditions and were largely segregated from Indigenous Fijians, who were kept within their traditional village settings. This segregation fostered mistrust and rivalry between the two communities, laying the groundwork for future ethnic tensions. For example, During these times, the British warned Fijians that if they harboured Indians who were escaping, they would be severely punished. This may very well be the reason for the warnings we’d receive as children growing up, where we’re told not to play outside in the dark for there would be Indians awaiting to capture us and vice-versa was told in Indian families. These might be seen as jokes now, but these were the result of decades of segregation and the animosity put in place by the British that eventuated into something we taught our very children – and that was to fear their neighbours, their brethren. The colonizers’ land policies further exacerbated these divisions. Land was systematically taken from Indigenous Fijians, disrupting their traditional way of life and leading to long-standing disputes and grievances. At the same time, Indo-Fijians were denied land ownership rights, deepening the economic and social divide. Additionally, the displacement of the Banabans and Rotumans highlighted the pattern of exploitation and marginalization that characterized British colonial rule. The British governance system reinforced social stratification, maintaining traditional hierarchies among Indigenous Fijians with whom they had influenced, while excluding Indo-Fijians from political power. This exclusion contributed to a sense of alienation among the Indo-Fijian community, which has lasting repercussions. The colonial legacy of ethnic, social, and political division has been a major factor in Fiji’s post-independence instability, including the coups of 1987, 2000, and 2006. https://lnkd.in/gCbdN3KM

🔙 #TBT In #Nepal, Protected Areas are responsible for the serious violations of Indigenous Peoples' human rights. 🇳🇵 Covering over 20% of the country, most of the #ProtectedAreas are established in Indigenous ancestral territories. The creation of #conservation areas on Indigenous Peoples´ lands without their free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) result in forced displacement, restrictions to access and use of their traditional land and resources, systematic #discrimination and violence including sexual violence against Indigenous women. 🚨 Looking into the situation in the Chitwan National Park, this report demonstrates WWF's failure to implement a #humanrights based approach to conservation securing Indigenous Peoples' rights. 👉 Read the full publication here: https://bit.ly/4b9b1qW #WeAreIndigenous #IndigenousPeoples #FPIC #WWF

What role does UNICEF play in achieving the SDGs? We ask Non-executive Director at UNICEF Australia, Tharani Jegatheeswaran about UNICEFs mission, as well as their role in working with a multitude of global stakeholders to ensure the best possible future for our next generations to come. Keep following our Think Global, Act Local Q&A Series as we find out more about Tharani, as well as what we can do as Young Professionals to help advocate for children's rights! #humanitarian #youngprofessionals #humanrights #children #worldchildrensday #socialjustice #unitednations #unicef #thinkglobalactlocal

📣 Starting soon! Indigenous-Led Funds play a critical role in increasing #directaccess to funding to #IndigenousPeoples globally, and growing a giving practice that moves away from unequal power dynamics to a one of values-based partnerships that incorporates Indigenous rights, self-determination, and values. Moving to the 5R’s of Indigenous Philanthropy’ — #Respect, #Relationships, #Responsibility, #Reciprocity, and #Redistribution as a giving practice. Join the Dialogue with #IndigenousLedFunds. Read IFIP's article on Alliance magazine on the rise of Indigenous-Led Funds here: https://lnkd.in/gBz6dXEU #UNPFII #WeAreIndigenous

The Sámi People The Sámi are an Indigenous people living in northern regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula in Russia. They are particularly concentrated in Finnmark County, Norway, where about 25,000 Sámi reside, out of an estimated 40,000 across the region. The Sámi languages, which are critically endangered, are vital to preserving their rich cultural heritage. United Nations Support for Sámi Rights In March 2024, the United Nations Experts on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples visited Norway to provide technical advice and guidance on the rights of the Sámi. This initiative was requested by the Saami Council and the Sámi Parliament to address concerns related to Indigenous rights and cultural preservation. Utilizing Technology for Advocacy and Protection To combat the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), the Reviving Indigenous Voices (RIV) app offers a powerful solution for tracking, reporting, and raising awareness. RIV is designed to support government agencies, organizations, and communities in their efforts to address MMIW cases efficiently. The app features geofencing alerts, live GPS tracking, and case management tools, making it a valuable resource for safeguarding Indigenous lives. Resources for Learning More about MMIW For further information on the MMIW movement and how you can get involved, consider exploring these resources: National Indigenous Women's Resource Center The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women Amnesty International Keetsahnak: Our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Sisters, an anthology edited by Kim Anderson, Maria Campbell, and Christi Belcourt And, of course, the Reviving Indigenous Voices (RIV) app, which empowers communities and governments to take proactive steps in addressing MMIW.

National Reconciliation Week is next week. It's a time to reflect on our shared history, acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, and take meaningful steps towards reconciliation. Take the time to learn about Indigenous history and culture, whether through reading, attending cultural events, or engaging with Indigenous artists and creators. Spark conversations with friends, family, and colleagues about reconciliation, sharing perspectives and fostering understanding. Support Indigenous businesses and initiatives, amplifying their voices and promoting economic empowerment. Consider volunteering with organisations working towards Indigenous empowerment or participating in community events. Advocate for Indigenous rights and justice, challenging stereotypes and biases wherever you encounter them. Let's take this opportunity to come together and work towards reconciliation. 😄 #Mumpara #MumparaGroup #BreakTheCycle #MakeADifference #FamilyFocused #EmpoweringPeopleToAchieve #WorkforceDevelopment #IndigenousEmployment #Holistic #EmpoweringIndigenousJobseekers #ClosingTheGap #ReconciliationmWeek #Reconciliation

On 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs rooted in human rights. At CIFAL Flanders, we support organisations, NGOs, enterprises, and local authorities in strategically implementing these goals, ensuring dignity, equality, and justice for all. 🎉 Marking the 𝟳𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 of the 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, we recognise that while progress has been made, there is still much to be done. The United Nations Human Rights Campaign, “𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘄,” reminds us of the ongoing need to address pressing global issues and continue striving for a world where everyone’s rights are respected and protected. 🔗 Know more about 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘄 here: https://lnkd.in/eT_DrHag #HumanRights76 #SDGs #Agenda2030 #CIFALFlanders

Reflecting on our 16 Days of Activism against GBV, I'm reminded how integrating gender and environmental work is key. Our work doesn't stop after 16 days! It's a continuous effort to address the intricate links between GBV and environmental sustainability. I'm excited to share more about our initiatives soon! For now, I'd like to highlight our collaboration with a young female artist, Christine Chikwanda. Together, we created a powerful song with a clear message echoed through out the chorus: "Let's Rise Up, Hold Hands, Break the Chains and Fight GBV , Kopano kimata - Unity is Power!" This song embodies the spirit of resilience and collective action that defines our GBV advocacy efforts. Here's a sneak peek of the song, launched during a special self and collective care session we held with women from various workplaces. This intimate gathering was a safe space for sharing experiences, best practices, and healing. The song's energy was palpable, and we can't wait to share it with you all soon! Stay tuned for more updates on our GBV advocacy efforts and how we're working to create a safer, more equitable environment for all. #16DaysOfActivism #GBVPrevention #RISEGrantsChallenge. ActionAid Zambia IUCN USAID

🌍✨ 2024 Theme: Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now. This #HumanRightsDay, we honor the power of human rights to uplift lives and communities. For Indigenous peoples in Canada, Gladue rights are vital for addressing injustices in the justice system, promoting restorative approaches, and fostering healing.  Let’s take action: 🗣️ Speak up for justice, 🤝 support equity, 🌟 and stand in solidarity. Together, we can create a more inclusive future. #OurRightsOurFuture #HumanRightsDay2024 #GladueRights #IndigenousJustice #EqualityForAll

Indigenous Struggle and Human Rights: The Context of the Chittagong Hill Tracts The indigenous communities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts have faced numerous social, political, and economic challenges for generations. Their ongoing struggle to protect their land rights, cultural heritage, and human dignity remains a critical issue. Several key aspects define their struggle for human rights. Land Rights and Land Grabbing One of the most significant struggles of the indigenous peoples is for land rights. The indigenous people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts have inhabited their ancestral lands for centuries. However, with time, land grabbing has become a major issue. Government projects, military settlements, and the influx of Bengali settlers have exacerbated the indigenous land crisis. Losing land has had a severe impact on their livelihoods, as they rely heavily on farming and traditional jhum cultivation. Human Rights Violations Human rights violations against indigenous people have a long history in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Even after the signing of the Peace Accord, such violations have continued. There are reports of indigenous people being evicted from their lands, their religious and cultural rights being suppressed, and their voices being silenced by political and military influence. Additionally, incidents of violence against women, arbitrary arrests, and disappearances still occur in the region. Cultural Rights and Identity Crisis The culture and language of indigenous peoples are crucial components of their identity. However, due to modernization and state influence, their language and culture are at risk of extinction. Many indigenous languages are on the verge of disappearing, and their cultural practices are becoming marginalized. The support required to preserve their traditional lifestyle and religious practices is often insufficient. Direction of the Struggle and the Future The struggle of the indigenous peoples is not just about reclaiming their land and human rights; it is a fight for their identity. They are not only demanding political or geographical rights but also seeking recognition of their cultural rights and social dignity. Without international support and human rights advocacy, it is difficult to sustain this struggle. The full implementation of the Peace Accord and the formulation of specific policies for indigenous people are essential steps toward a sustainable solution. Conclusion The struggle of the indigenous communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts is fundamentally about securing their basic human rights and cultural survival. To protect their rights, the government and society must take more effective measures, and the international community must play a more robust role in this regard #IndigenousStruggle #HumanRights #ChittagongHillTracts #LandRights #CulturalRights #IndigenousRights #PeaceAccord