At WUF13, an international call was made to protect the rights of indigenous peoples

Within the framework of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), an international appeal concerning the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples was voiced for the first time.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to Report, discussions organized by the Indigenous Peoples Group were held on the platform in Baku.

It was noted that 500 million representatives of indigenous peoples in 90 countries suffer from massive and systematic violations of rights.

"We arrived at the forum with full determination. Without meaningful and safe participation of indigenous peoples, it is impossible to speak of inclusive urban development. We are being displaced from our lands without prior consent and resettlement plans," the appeal states.

It was noted that approximately 200 million people worldwide have become displaced persons as a result of approximately 132 conflicts, 80% of which occur in areas inhabited by indigenous peoples.

During the discussions, it was proposed to make the principle of free, prior, and informed consent a fundamental condition for any urban planning: "Housing must be culturally appropriate and meet the specific needs of indigenous peoples, and land should not be treated as a commodity."