Status of Indigenous Peoples’ lands, territories and resources in Asia

Indigenous Peoples, because of their subordination and distinctiveness from mainstream cultures and polities, have been and still are subjected to gross human rights violations, systematic racism, discrimination, and dispossession. The experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Asia are very similar to the social and political processes observed by indigenous peoples in other parts of the world. They also share historical experience of political domination, discrimination and exploitation through processes of colonization and nation-state building. Many Indigenous Peoples are among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world in terms of human security and attained level of basic needs. This is largely due to the denial of their rights to lands, territories and resources. They continue to struggle to have their collective rights over their lands, territories and resources; their ways of living, their customary institutions and laws to be respected and recognized by the states.

Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) and Indigenous Peoples Major Group for Sustainable Development (IPMG) dedicate this publication to the Indigenous Peoples in Asia, including Indigenous women, youths, elders and Indigenous person with disabilities who continue to assert and defend their rights to lands, territories and resources as central to achieving sustainable development for all. We hope that this publication would generate greater awareness and attention to the recognition and protection of the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Asia and beyond.