Itanagar: In a significant show of support, an African-based civil society organization has called on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to compel the Government of India to uphold the rights of indigenous communities in Arunachal Pradesh.
The appeal comes in light of widespread protests by indigenous groups in the eastern Himalayan state, particularly in the Dibang and Siang valley regions, against the construction of multiple dams by the Indian government.
According to Dohutia Poonam, a representative of the Indigenous People of Africa Coordinating Committee, these projects, which are being carried out without meaningful consultation or the free, prior, and informed consent of the indigenous people, threaten their livelihoods, cultural heritage, and the region’s fragile ecological balance. Poonam made these remarks during the 26th meeting of the 57th UNHRC session held in Geneva on Wednesday.
Poonam also emphasized the events of July 2024, when peaceful protests in Itanagar led to the detention of several demonstrators, with prominent leaders such as members of the Siang People’s Forum facing intimidation. Despite government crackdowns, the protests have persisted, underscoring strong opposition to projects like the Etalin and Lower Siang dams, which could displace thousands and desecrate sacred ancestral lands.
The Committee called on the Council to urge the Government of India to honor indigenous rights as stipulated in both national and international law, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It stressed that development should not come at the expense of human rights and environmental degradation.
