Regional Dialogue with Indigenous People on People-Centred Development in Latin America and the Caribbean

Ten years ago, Latin America and the Caribbean countries made the powerful commitment to ensure the inclusion, dignity and rights of all people through the Montevideo Consensus on Population and Development. 

On 5 September 2023, indigenous people reflected on the extent to which this commitment has been translated into a reality for the 58.5 million indigenous people who form 10.4 per cent of the region’s population. The virtual dialogue, hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Fondo para el Desarrollo de los Pueblos Indigenas de America Latina y el Caribe, Enlace Continental de Mujeres Indígenas de las Américas and UNFPA, took place as part of the region’s review of 30 years of implementing the ICPD Programme of Action and 10 years of the Montevideo Consensus. The achievements, challenges and recommendations discussed were documented in the region’s ICPD30 review report.

The regional conversation celebrated advances in respect to indigenous people’s rights and intercultural health. Indigenous women encouraged more support for revaluing ancestral knowledge and practices that dignify their bodies and lives, such as respecting the knowledge of traditional midwives, their world views and spirituality, during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. They highlighted the crucial role of the ICPD agenda, the Montevideo Consensus, and General Recommendation 39 of the Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women in ensuring the rights of indigenous people are fulfilled within the sustainable development agenda.

While progress has been made, inequalities and gaps remain. Indigenous leaders from Colombia,  Guatemala, Argentina and Mexico guided discussions on the persisting challenges and opportunities to address them. The dialogue reflected on what needs to be done to reduce indigenous women’s heightened risk of violence, including maternal mortality; on ways to address young people’s concerns and promote their rights and leadership; and on good practices for reducing inequalities. The dialogue called for more intercultural and intergenerational spaces that amplify the voices of indigenous youth and make their roles as agents of peace visible. Representatives of indigenous peoples organizations also called for continued coordination with government agencies and regional and international organizations to ensure inclusive sustainable development.