Nieves Cancela Advocates for Naga People at UN Indigenous Forum

Ukhrul, May 1: Nieves Cancela, the Global Advocacy Officer at the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), addressed the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York on April 25. Representing the Naga people and the Global Naga Forum, Cancela brought international attention to the concerns and aspirations of the Indigenous Naga community.

Speaking at the high-level session, Nieves Cancela spoke on the historical and ongoing struggles faced by the Naga people, emphasising the need for global recognition of their rights, cultural preservation, and self-determination. Her address formed part of the broader advocacy efforts led by the Global Naga Forum in partnership with UNPO to amplify Indigenous voices at the international level.

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Full speech of Nieves Cancela.

Thank you, Chair.

I am honoured to address this Forum today as a representative of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization, speaking on behalf of the Naga people and the Global Naga Forum. The Nagas are a member of UNPO, a platform of solidarity committed to amplifying the voices of peoples and nations, and securing their equal participation at a national and international level.

For over 70 years, the indigenous Naga people, who live in Northeast India and Northwest Myanmar, have asserted their right to self-determination. Eleven years have passed since the signing of the Framework Agreement between the Indian government and Naga representatives, a peace agreement which was seen as a hopeful step towards resolving decades of violence and repression. The Agreement remains unimplemented by the Indian government.

Today, the Nagas continue to live under the threat of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Under this law, extrajudicial killings, and intimidation persists with impunity. Additionally, the recent construction of a border fence between India and Myanmar has led to the dismantling of the Freedom of Movement Regime, severing ties between Naga communities divided by the border, and depriving their rights to their ancestral land.

In addition to these ongoing injustices, there is a more insidious threat: the growing climate of intimidation that silences indigenous voices. For years, the Global Naga Forum has participated in this space.This year, UNPO speaks on their behalf. Why? The Nagas are being silenced. Naga human rights defenders are increasingly unable to travel, restricted by Indian authorities, and are targeted by acts of intimidation. Their safety is at risk, because speaking out can, and often does, lead to reprisals. It should be them taking this seat today.

This silencing is not unique to the Naga people – it is part of a broader pattern around the globe, where indigenous communities who seek to hold actors accountable are silenced by states. If peacebuilding is to be dynamic and inclusive, it must account for the voices that are silenced. Restorative justice cannot begin where peace agreements are ignored, and where those advocating for justice are persecuted. When states block dialogue, and punish those who speak, peace is not built, it is dismantled. And in the case of the Nagas, this dismantling has undermined the prospect of a durable and peaceful resolution.

We call on the Member States to achieve the ends of the UNDRIP, in accordance with Article 38, ensuring indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination and their equal and effective participation in decision-making processes, as indigenous peoples’ seat at the table is key to achieve global sustainable peace and justice.

Specifically, we call on Member States to urge the Government of India to implement the Framework Agreement with the Naga people; to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act; to reinstate the Freedom of Movement Regime; and to uphold Articles 30 and 36 of the Declaration to protect the rights of the Naga indigenous peoples whole lands span international borders and to prohibit militarization of their territories.

Thank you.

It is worth noting that the UNPFII, a key advisory body to the UN Economic and Social Council, serves as a critical platform for Indigenous communities worldwide to engage with global stakeholders on matters of human rights, development, and environmental justice.