UNPO highlight rights violations at UN Indigenous Forum

The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), in collaboration with the Global Naga Forum (GNF), raised serious concerns over systemic human rights violations faced by the Naga people during the 18th session of the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), held on July 16 in Geneva.
Representing the Naga people—who have been members of UNPO since 1993—the organization delivered a joint statement under Agenda Item 5, which focused on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) with special emphasis on traditional economies.
In its statement, UNPO condemned the continued marginalization of Nagas in both Myanmar- and India-occupied territories, particularly in Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam. It drew attention to the Indian government’s failure to implement the 2015 Framework Agreement signed with Naga groups. UNPO also criticized the continued application of the AFSPA in Naga-inhabited areas, which it said perpetuated impunity and violence. The Oting massacre of 2021 was cited as a glaring example of state excesses under AFSPA.
UNPO highlighted the dismantling of the Freedom of Movement Regime and the construction of the Indo-Myanmar border fence, which it said had severed kinship ties, cut off access to ancestral farmlands, and disrupted traditional trade and livelihoods. Such measures, directly contravened Articles 20, 23 and 26 of UNDRIP.
Calling for immediate steps to protect indigenous rights, UNPO and GNF urged government of India to– fully implement the 2015 Framework Agreement; repeal AFSPA; reinstate the Freedom of Movement Regime along Indo-Myanmar border and consult affected Naga communities on alternatives to fencing. It also sought formal recognition of the distinct legal status of indigenous peoples in India in line with international human rights standards.