Fatshimetrie, August 11, 2024 – At the heart of the crucial issues of our time is the question of protecting and promoting the rights of indigenous Pygmy peoples. It is essential to recognize the challenges these communities face and to seek concrete solutions to guarantee their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. It is in this context that the NGO “Juriste environnement” has recommended the creation of a special fund dedicated to this pressing cause.
The fight for justice and reparation for the harm suffered by indigenous Pygmy peoples is an absolute priority. These communities have often been marginalized and their rights violated, particularly with regard to access to land and natural resources. It is time to take concrete action to put in place mechanisms to protect and promote their fundamental rights.
The President of the Board of Directors of “Juriste environnement”, Felix Lilakako Malikuka, emphasizes the importance of mobilizing adequate funding to support this noble cause. The creation of the Special Fund for the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Indigenous Pygmy Peoples is an essential first step in ensuring a better future for these vulnerable communities.
By proposing concrete recommendations to the government and civil society organizations, “Juriste environnement” shows the way forward for collective action in favor of the rights of indigenous Pygmy peoples. It is crucial that all stakeholders are fully engaged in this process, in order to ensure the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation or initial contact.
On this day dedicated to the protection of the rights of indigenous Pygmy peoples, it is essential to raise awareness of the unique challenges these communities face. This year’s theme, “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation or Initial Contact”, highlights the urgency of action to ensure respect for these fundamental rights.
Technical and financial partners also have a crucial role to play in this process, by supporting the government in the development and adoption of the decree establishing the modalities for the organization and operation of the Special Fund for the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Pygmy Peoples in the DRC. By working together, we can create an environment conducive to the protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous Pygmy peoples, and work towards a more equitable future that respects cultural and human diversity.