Since 1985, the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples (UNVFIP) has empowered approximately 4,000 Indigenous representatives to participate in UN human rights mechanisms. This vital support enables Indigenous Peoples to advocate for their rights and address human rights violations globally.
As a UNVFIP Board of Trustees representative, on 26 September 2024, I addressed the 57th Human Rights Council session, highlighting the Fund's impact. In 2023 alone, the Fund supported 126 representatives from 47 countries, facilitating their engagement with crucial UN mechanisms. Beyond direct support, the Fund provides training on Indigenous issues and UN systems, with over 2,000 participants benefiting from online courses this year.
In my statement to the Council, I emphasized the need for increased government contributions to ensure the Fund's continued success in empowering Indigenous Peoples.