Friday 12 December 2008,  by Tewodros Negash Bayu

The climate change convention is falling behind other UN conventions by failing to recognize the rights of indigenous peoples. So claims Farah Miller, spokesperson for Minority Rights Group International at the Poznan climate summit.

“We are asking that they pass a resolution to create a body for indigenous and local communities to be able to input into the climate change negotiations. Another major UN convention - the convention on biodiversity- has already done this.” she said.

The rights of indigenous peoples in Ethiopia, like other indigenous groups worldwide, require protection within the framework of the UN human rights convention. “It is imperative that all governments recognize that minority and indigenous rights are guaranteed under international laws. All countries have an obligation to ensure that these rights are protected.” said Miller.

She recommended that indigenous peoples should be consulted when governments draw up adaptation and mitigation plans: “Our research shows that this in not happening. In some cases climate change mitigation strategies like Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and degradation (REDD) are being designed for implementation on indigenous lands and territories without them having being properly consulted.”

Miller called on the international community gathered at the summit in Poznan to create a mechanism so that indigenous and local communities can participate in the climate change negotiations. She said it must recognize the relevant international laws on the rights of indigenous people and minorities. It must also create a fund to enable these community representatives to attend the conferences.

These communities are badly affected by climate change and yet they have the hardest experiences dealing with the impacts. Yet they have also been adapting to changing environments for centuries and have the specialized knowledge to do this that could be useful for the UN in developing adaptation strategies.

To encourage a joined up approach Miller said that other UN mechanisms such as the UN Permanent Forum on Minorities, the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the UN Human Rights Council must also take up climate change issues.