UN Women statement to the 17th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Madam President and Members of the Forum, I bring you congratulations and warm greetings on the occasion of this 17^th Session.

UN Women extends its unwavering commitment to the rights of indigenous women of all ages who are here at the Forum as well as to those who are supporting them from behind.

We reiterate the need to protect indigenous peoples lands territories and resources from contamination and sacrilegious attacks.

We support indigenous women's affirmation of Mother Earth. We condemn all acts of threats, aggression, violence against her.

There is evidence to show that violations of free, prior and informed consent of indigenous women in land extraction can pose as existential threats to indigenous women and girls from the point of conception.

We call for particular attention to be paid to the Sahel, and request the protection of women and girls from the devastating effects of violent extremism emerging in that sub region.

We furthermore reiterate that all forms of attacks, including enforced disappearances and murders of indigenous women human rights defenders in defense of their land rights and other rights, is a violation of all human rights, including the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.

Mechanisms must be put in place to prevent, punish, monitor, report and expose all such acts.

Thank you very much for your attention.