Binota Dhamai at the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

RegNet Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Binota Dhamai attended the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) at the UN Headquarters in New York from 21 April to 2 May 2025. He participated as both a scholar and Indigenous rights advocate across various panel discussions.

The Indigenous Presence in Global Dialogues panel highlights how Indigenous Peoples are influencing multilateral processes across human rights, biodiversity, climate, food systems and intellectual property. Dr Dhamai contributed in his role as the Indigenous Cofacilitator appointed by the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). He shared recent achievements at the HRC, mainly the first-time appointment of Indigenous Cofacilitator with an equal status of the State. A nameplate for Indigenous Peoples was also added to the Council’s seating arrangement, previously limited to States, intergovernmental organisations and UN bodies.

At the lunchtime event Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ International Leadership, Dr Dhamai spoke about the connections between Indigenous traditional knowledge, human rights, peace and well-being. He acknowledged the contributions of Chittagong Hill Tracts region Indigenous Peoples to the global Indigenous movement and leadership. In the session Indigenous-led Protocols on Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC): Advancing the Rights to Self-Determination and Self-Government, Dr Dhamai highlighted that FPIC is more than a procedural step —it is a living expression of Indigenous Peoples inherent rights to self-determination and self-government, as recognised under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), ILO Convention 169 and other international legal instruments.

Speaking on the panel Indigenous Peacebuilding as a Pathway Towards Healing Peoples, for Peace & Planet, Dr Dhamai emphasised the importance of political will from member states in advancing peacebuilding efforts, including the implementation of treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements signed between States and Indigenous Peoples.

In the session Reflections on the implementation of UNDRIP in Asia: exploring multiple pathways towards realisation of self-determination for Indigenous Peoples in Asia, Dr Dhamai described the implementation of UNDRIP in the region as both a challenge and an opportunity. While Indigenous Peoples continue to face deeply rooted barriers, he noted that UNDRIP creates space to reimagine governance, development and human rights in ways that honour diversity and justice. He emphasised that self-determination is not just a legal or political concept, but a lived reality – the right of Indigenous Peoples to control their destinies, protect their identities and live in harmony with their lands and traditions.

Speaking at Towards developing a Global Plan of Action on the Health of Indigenous Peoples, Dr Dhamai highlighted the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ access to decision-making spaces to ensure meaningful participation, including in the World Health Organisation (WHO) global action plan. Their right to self-determination, land and territory rights, recognition of knowledge systems on traditional medicine and Indigenous-led governance are all crucial for maintaining Indigenous health outcomes.

Dr Dhamai also joined Indigenous leaders and funders in a high-level dialogue shaping the Forest Tenure Funders Group’s pledge 2.0, ahead of its formal launch at UNFCCC COP 30. He emphasised, “It’s not about competition over funding – it's about upholding Indigenous Peoples' rights as recognised under international law. We must centre self-determination, ensure transparency and build mechanisms that bring resources directly to the community level. Anything less risks dividing our movements and undermining the very principles we fight for.”

Dr Dhamai’s participation in these important dialogues reflects his ongoing dedication to advancing Indigenous rights and we look forward to seeing his continued engagement on international platforms.