By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 25: Indigenous peoples must be included in government policies and decision-making processes if they are to benefit from the energy transition, says Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA) treasurer Ruekeith Jampong.
He said this when attending a Geneva summit titled ‘JUST TRANSITION: Indigenous Peoples’ Perspectives, Knowledge, and Lived Experiences’ held from October 8-10, which saw participants challenging mainstream interpretations of the just transition to a green economy, which often overlook the full impact on Indigenous peoples and failing to deliver true justice.
According to him, the summit affirmed a rights-based framework for proposed extractive projects on Indigenous lands, rooted in the principles of the just transition incorporated collective rights outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), including self-determination; free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC); cultural preservation; land and territorial rights; participation in decision-making; and alignment with the Paris Agreement.
He was also appointed to the drafting committee for the 11 Indigenous Principles for Just Transition and the 10 Commitments for Action and Implementation.
“The committee’s draft was endorsed by delegates, emphasising that for Indigenous peoples, it would only be just and fair if ‘Just Transition’ means sustaining their traditional institutions and governance systems based on their respective traditions and way of life.
“This includes respect for and recognition of their role in enhancing biodiversity conservation, slowing and halting desertification and ice thaw, and restoring lands and waters to protect life, thereby helping to reduce the impact of climate change,” he said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, when attending the 23rd session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues during a New York summit from April 15-26, Ruekeith also called for governments to legally recognise the Indigenous peoples’ rights to lands, territories, and resources under UNDRIP.
He said under Article of 26(3) of UNDRIP, states shall give legal recognition and protection to these lands, territories, and resources.
“Such recognition shall be conducted with due respect to the customs, traditions, and land tenure systems of the indigenous peoples concerned,” he added.
A just transition seeks to ensure that the substantial benefits of a green economy transition are shared widely while also supporting those who stand to lose economically. — DayakDaily
