Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

April 28, 2025

Censorship Debated at U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples in New York

Navajo Councilwoman Eugenia Charles-Newton

Racism, land rights and a debate over censorship highlight the discussion at the U.N. Permanent Forum

By Brenda Norrell, Censored News, April 28, 2025

NEW YORK -- Indigenous delegates were clearly frustrated, and spoke out against the self-glorifying statements of governments and NGOs, during the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues today.

Indigenous described the racism and discrimination in the U.S. and Canada. Censorship within the Permanent Forum was debated by delegates from Burundi, the Russian Federation and the United States.

Navajo Nation Councilwoman Eugenia Charles-Newton spoke on crime in Indian country, and the lack of felony prosecution on the Navajo Nation, during this morning session.

Charles-Newton described the Navajo Nation as a sovereign nation and "domestic dependent tribal nation" with a temporary tribal government that is similar to the U.S. government.

Charles-Newton said there is no recognition that there are 574 tribes and all are different, in regards to land status and law enforcement. She spoke on the high number of crimes that the federal government has declined to prosecute on the Navajo Nation, including assault and child abuse. She asked the U.N. to report on crimes in Indian country. 



The Indigenous Parliamentarian of Ecuador said the human rights standards are not being implemented. Indigenous women are the guardian of language, knowledge and many other things.

However, Indigenous women have suffered the most violence and discrimination over time. In Ecuador, 70 percent of women have been victims of violence.

Specific measures must be taken, and not just words. Laws must be adopted to prevent the violence. "We need to have visits from the experts in the countries, and on the ground," she said. "You need to see how our peoples rights are being ignored."

Colonized practices and extractive industries must be left behind.

The racism and colonization affecting women must be addressed by this Forum, said the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

She said Indigenous women are disproportionately affected by poverty, homeless and poor health.

As for Canada, she said the residential schools and inter-generational trauma should be addressed.

"In the USA, Native Americans are much more likely to be killed by law enforcement."

She said the Muslim policies in the United States have contributed to the erosion of Indigenous identity, and resulted in misguided policies and discrimination.


Australia is not implementing the recommendations of Indigenous Peoples, nor implementing the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

"Australia is displaying ritualism," said an Indigenous representative, stating that Australia provides "glowing reports," but the government has done nothing to achieve the ends of the U.N. Declaration. "Rights ritualism" seems to be the norm at these sessions, said the representative of the Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action.


"Our right to say 'No' is a fundamental part of our right to self-determination and must be respected," says an Indigenous representative from the Brazilian Amazon.

"We don't accept our fundamental rights to be seen as a currency to be exchanged as a bargaining chip, or subject to negotiations."

Speaking on the right to free, prior and informed consent, in defense of the land in the battle against mining, the representative said the rights of Indigenous in voluntary isolation must be protected as they naturally cross borders.


Keith Harper, delegate from the U.S.

Censorship Debated

During the dialogue at the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Peoples, there was a discussion as to whether the Forum should allow criticism of itself, and shut off peoples mics.

Vital Bambanze, Batwa, from Burundi, said some people should be censored, because members are here to hear "constructive" dialogue, and not attacks.

Bambanze said there are still problems carrying out the mandates, and the financial crisis for Indigenous Peoples. He said Indigenous rights need to be respected, and said there is a lack of land, participation, and criminality remains an issue, and participation in democratic institutions.

Security remains a major concern, he said, it has a direct impact on women, children and older persons. There is a need to protect people in areas of armed conflict.

He said it is surprising to hear people say they are not impartial and have taken sides.

"I would like to say that should be censored in some fashion when that happens. We should cut off the microphones when that happens."

"We are in a constructive dialogue, we don't want to hear attacks that jeopardize our mission," said Bambanze.

Bambanze said that the Forum should not hear disparaging comments about its delegates.

The Russian Federation responded and said some representatives speaking have lost contact and links, factually and legally speaking, with the people they are representing.

But he said at the United Nations, freedom of speech and freedom of expression prevails and people should be allowed to speak. He said the problems will not be resolved by stripping people of the right to speak.

"We can't say that anyone is immune from criticism, regardless of where they are from," the Russian Federation delegate said. 

He said those speaking of the Crimean people in Russia were not speaking the facts.

Keith Harper, Cherokee, Permanent Forum member from the U.S., responded that the appointment of delegates should not be attacked. Harper said it is disturbing that a member state would make this statement.

Harper said Russia has committed gross and systematic human rights violations, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing.

He also said the Russian Federation has taken action against individuals on this Forum.

Harper said the unlawful acts of Russia continue to displace the Crimean Tartars by the aggressive, unwarranted and unlawful actions of the Russian Federation.

Further, Harper said the Russian government sponsors NGOs on this Forum.

Bambanze and Harper are among the 16 members that are appointed and selected of the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The Forum members are shown here:

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