OAS


General AssemblyOrganization Of American States

Defending the Rights of Indigenous Women

Indigenous peoples are those who share an ancestral link with pre-colonial inhibitors who have a strong connection to a particular land and its surroundings. They uphold their own unique socioeconomic systems, culture, language, and/or traditions which they aim to preserve, embrace, and most importantly, identify as Indigenous. Throughout history, Indigenous women have faced discrimination on the regional, national, and international scales. Massive strides were made by the General Assembly, which adopted Article 2 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2007, stating, “Indigenous peoples and individuals are free and equal to all other peoples and individuals…”  The process of promoting the rights of Indigenous women differs from conventional human rights frameworks. These frameworks typically compartmentalize the rights of different groups, such as keeping women's rights separate from collective Indigenous rights. Hence, the necessary approach that must be taken for Indigenous women can strengthen the human rights frameworks that are currently in place, fostering an intercultural and gendered understanding of this topic.

Chairs

Cayla Matsumoto

Nicole Koushyar

Kamilah Snyder

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