Guyana’s Delegation at the United Nations Permanent Forum (UNPFII) on Indigenous Issues

Introduction to the UNPFII and Guyana’s Participation

UNITED NATIONS, CMC -Guyana has told the United Nations Permanent Forum (UNPFII) on Indigenous Issues that the government in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country continues to improve indigenous women’s socio-economic conditions.

Addressing the UNPFII’s 24th session, Guyana’s Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, said that as an indigenous woman leader, she is pleased to be part of advancing women’s rights in Guyana, with indigenous women’s rights being a priority.

Advancements in Indigenous Women’s Participation and Socio-Economic Conditions

“Indigenous women’s increased participation in political life, nationally and locally, in Guyana is evident. Thirty years ago, when I entered Parliament, there were few indigenous women Parliamentarians. Today, 39 percent of women in Parliament are indigenous. Three indigenous women have led the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs,” she told the Forum that ends on May 2.

She said that the Irfaan Ali government continues to ensure the improvement of Indigenous women’s socio-economic conditions and that the national budget provides funding for entrepreneurial opportunities in agriculture, eco-tourism, and traditional economic activities.

She said that the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme provides training and business opportunities for Indigenous Youth and that 63 percent of the participants are Indigenous Women.

Access to Healthcare and Education

Sukhai said the government has advanced equitable access to healthcare and education nationwide.

“New and upgraded healthcare infrastructure and telemedicine services are expanding across the Amerindian Villages. These improvements prioritize Indigenous Women’s healthcare, including financial aid for universal healthcare and cancer screening, “she said. She added that special emphasis is placed on expanding access to education in Indigenous communities through teacher training, construction of new schools, and investment in ICT connectivity.

“Reaffirming our country’s realization of empowerment of Indigenous Women through education, they can now access tuition-free university and technical education as well as fully funded international scholarships.”

Access to Clean Water and Combatting Violence

Sukhai said that globally, Indigenous populations continue to face challenges in accessing clean and safe water and that 91 percent of the Indigenous villages in Guyana have access to potable water.

“We will attain 100 percent by 2025. This will reduce remaining challenges experienced by Indigenous women in accessing water.”

The government minister said that combatting sexual and gender-based violence remains a priority for Guyana and that the recently passed Family Violence Act strengthens the legal framework on domestic violence, enhances protections for victims and survivors, and ensures offenders are held accountable.

“These provisions apply equally to Indigenous women and girls,” she said, adding that the protection of Indigenous women’s rights and their economic and social development are only possible through political will matched with the requisite resources.

Commitment to Indigenous Women’s Rights

“My government reaffirms our commitment to promote and support Indigenous women’s rights and development proactively,” she told the Forum, which is being held under the theme “Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within United Nations Member States and the United Nations system, including identifying good practices and addressing challenges.”

About the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)

The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) is a high-level advisory body to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) that deals with Indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health, and human rights.

More specifically, the Forum provides expert advice and recommendations on Indigenous issues to the Council and to programs, funds, and agencies of the United Nations through ECOSOC. It also raises awareness and promotes the integration and coordination of activities related to Indigenous issues within the UN system.

Conclusion

Guyana’s participation in the UNPFII demonstrates its commitment to advancing the rights and socio-economic conditions of indigenous women. The country’s efforts to improve access to healthcare, education, and clean water, as well as its commitment to combatting violence against indigenous women, are crucial steps towards achieving true equality and empowerment for indigenous women.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)?

A: The UNPFII is a high-level advisory body to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) that deals with Indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health, and human rights.

Q: What is the theme of the 24th session of the UNPFII?

A: The theme of the 24th session of the UNPFII is “Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within United Nations Member States and the United Nations system, including identifying good practices and addressing challenges.”

Q: What percentage of women in the Guyanese Parliament are indigenous?

A: 39 percent of women in the Guyanese Parliament are indigenous.