In November 2024, Ms Don Stoll, a Policy Officer with the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), participated in an international training on Human Rights for Indigenous Peoples in Geneva, Switzerland.
This annual training, organized by the Indigenous Peoples’ Centre for Documentation, Research, and Information (DOCIP), provides a platform for Indigenous representatives to deepen their understanding of human rights mechanisms. DOCIP, a Swiss organization, serves as a liaison between international organizations and Indigenous communities globally.
The training, funded by the European Union and the Republic and Canton of Geneva’s Service for International Solidarity, focuses on Indigenous Peoples’ rights within the United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) frameworks. It equips participants with the tools to address violations and advocate effectively for Indigenous rights.
Ms Stoll attended the program from November 18 to 22, followed by the Global Indigenous Caucus on November 24 and the United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights from November 25 to 27, 2024.
The program’s primary goal is to empower Indigenous human rights defenders and organizational leaders to:
- Understand the international legal framework on Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
- Document human rights violations effectively.
- Leverage UN and EU mechanisms for advocacy and remedies.
- Develop actionable strategies for advancing Indigenous rights regionally and nationally.
According to Ms Stoll, “If there is one key takeaway from this training, it is that in order for us to truly progress, we must unite and set aside our differences, channeling our efforts toward a shared goal. We can no longer afford to let politics cloud our judgment or allow fear to hinder our ability to represent our people effectively. Full and meaningful participation is crucial to the development of Indigenous Peoples. It is through active engagement and inclusion that we can ensure progress and empowerment within our communities.”
Ms Stoll was joined by fellow Guyanese Ms Esther Marslow, representing the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC), Mr Azariah Johnson from the KHOSE Foundation, and Ms Naomi Jubitane from VIDS, two Indigenous Peoples’ organizations based in Suriname.
Key Outputs and Highlights:
The training provided practical knowledge and skills, with the following outcomes:
- Human Rights Mechanisms Training: Participants learned to document human rights violations and identify relevant UN and EU mechanisms for redress.
- Treaty Body Processes: Sessions covered how to write declarations and reports, as well as best practices for identifying and addressing human rights violations.
- Safety Programs: Participants explored existing safety programs for human rights defenders facing risks.
- UN Forum on Business and Human Rights: Specialized training on engaging with this UN mechanism and participating effectively in international conferences.
Ms Don Stoll with Guyana’s Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation and NTC Representative Ms Esther Marslow during a courtesy call while in Geneva.
Additionally, the program facilitated meaningful interactions with key stakeholders, including Geneva Canton and City authorities, UN experts, government representatives, local NGOs, and other Indigenous delegates. These engagements fostered networking opportunities and a deeper understanding of advocacy within international contexts.
This training underscores the importance of capacity-building initiatives in empowering Indigenous leaders and advancing their rights at both national and international levels.