Pronouncement: Indigenous Women and Youth amid the crisis rule of Law Across the Americas

Indigenous Women and Youth amid the crisis of the rule of law across the Americas
Lima, Perú - October 19, 2025 

Indigenous women and youth, from the Arctic to Patagonia, gathered in the city of Lima for the IX Gathering of the Continental Network of Indigenous Women of the Americas (ECMIA), after reflecting on our journey over the past thirty years, declare:

1. Our deep concern over the growing deterioration of the rule of law in our region.

2. Our uncertainty in the face of the weakening of institutions and citizens’ will.

3. Our rejection of the discourses and narratives that question the progress achieved in the field of human rights, particularly those of Indigenous Peoples.

Committed to life, we condemn the increase in political violence, intimidation, threats, harassment, and reprisals against Indigenous human rights defenders and leaders, especially Indigenous women.

We are deeply concerned about the use of national security and anti-terrorism laws to criminalize the legitimate defense of our territories and the peaceful mobilization of Indigenous Peoples, turning us into targets of judicial and police persecution.

We demand justice and the clarification of cases of disappearances and all acts of violence committed against our Peoples. We express our solidarity with each People and family suffering from violence and dispossession. Their wounds are our wounds, and their hope is ours.

For Indigenous Peoples, the word is sacred; it connects us with our ancestors and commits us to fulfill it. Likewise, States must honor their commitments. Therefore:

We recall that States have adopted various international and regional instruments establishing minimum standards for the dignity of Indigenous Peoples, both within the framework of the United Nations and the Inter-American System, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the ILO Convention No. 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples Outcome Document, the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Belém do Pará Convention, and CEDAW General Recommendation No. 39 on the rights of Indigenous women and girls, among other fundamental instruments.

The full implementation of these commitments must be ensured, as they have laid the foundation for several constitutions to recognize Indigenous Peoples and their collective rights. Any regression would represent a severe blow to democracy and the rule of law.

We urge States to uphold these commitments with coherence, political will, and transformative action. Recognition on paper is no longer enough: Indigenous Peoples are already putting into practice the principles these instruments proclaim. It is up to States to support, respect, and strengthen our initiatives through effective policies, budgets, and mechanisms.

We call upon the international community, the United Nations, multilateral organizations, human rights institutions, and allies to ensure its compliance with these commitments, accompany our actions, and amplify our solutions — not only our struggles.

We encourage Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, and civil society to remain united in upholding life, territories, and dignity. May our word and action continue to be guided by truth, justice, and solidarity among Peoples. It is time to strengthen our alliances and build together a future where respect, peace, and the self-determination of Indigenous Peoples prevail.

Because to feel, think, and shape the future is also to care for life, to protect Mother Earth, and to keep alive the word of our Peoples.

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