The Second Virtual Interaction on the ILO Convention No. 169 and Indigenous Peoples of the FIWNA Discussion Series

The Second Virtual Interaction on the ILO Convention No. 169 and Indigenous Peoples of the FIWNA Discussion Series

  12:27:00 PM    Indirasite.com

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The Federation of Indigenous Women of Nepal in America (FIWNA) hosted a significant virtual interaction program on 28 April 2025, focused on Indigenous rights and the pivotal International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 169. This was the second session, part of an ongoing series, featuring Professor Dr. Krishna Bhattanchan, a distinguished expert on Indigenous Peoples, as the keynote presenter

Dr. Bhattachan provided a brief history with reference of ILO Convention No. 197 of 1957, illuminated key provisions of the ILO Convention No 169 of 1989, emphasizing g its critical role in safeguarding the rights of Indigenous Peoples, specially on lands,  territories, and  resources, customary self-government systems and customary laws, Indigenous knowledge, language, education, health and cross-border relation. He said that, unlike conventions originating from the UN Treaty Bodies and Declarations from the  UN Political Bodies, the ILO is an international organization whose Conventions are focused on labor issues only. He noted that ILO Convention No. 169 is not just about labor issues of Indigenous Peoples, still it is about non-political issues of all Indigenous Peoples, the ILO to include specific provisions tailored to their needs. 

Stressing the treaty body's legal obligations, Dr Bhattachan  stressed the imperative of establishing trade unions among Indigenous groups to amplify their voices and advocate effectively, as its three pillars are the State, employers, and workers. He further said that ILO Convention No. 169 provisions are in the UNDRIP with more advanced rights, such as mandatory free prior and informed consent (FPIC) in all legal and administrative matters affecting Indigenous Peoples, right to self-determination, and autonomy. Participants from various organizations and Indigenous student groups engaged actively throughout the session. Following Dr. Bhattachan's presentation, Shobha Sunuwar, General Secretary of the National Indigenous Women’s Federation (NIWF), raised concerns regarding the implementation gaps in Nepal's Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) protocols. She highlighted instances where developmental projects proceeded without adequate Indigenous consultation, despite FPIC requirements showing the evidence of a gathering and a meeting.

The forum also saw insightful contributions from Kalpana Bhattachan, Vice President of NIWF, who expressed concern about how to be aware of its provision, Uma Tamang from the Indigenous Women Legal Awareness Group (INWOLAG), Toran Gurung from the Federation of Indigenous People of Nepal (FIPNA), and Deepak Chaudhari, President of FIWNA. Their inquiries enriched the discussion, probing further into the implications of Dr. Bhattachan’s insights.

Moderated by Indira Chongbang, President of FIWNA, the event concluded with expressions of gratitude to all participants for their contributions towards advancing Indigenous rights and legal protections globally.

The end