FIWNA Conducts Virtual Interaction Program on Indigenous Rights and ILO Convention Number 169

FIWNA organized a virtual session addressing indigenous rights and International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 169. The organization noted that "most of the labors are indigenous people in the world," highlighting why the ILO established provisions protecting indigenous workers globally.

Main Speaker

Professor Dr. Krishna Bhattachan – Indigenous peoples expert.

Dr. Bhattachan delivered the primary presentation explaining key convention sections and legal provisions. He emphasized the importance of establishing indigenous labor unions and described treaty bodies as legally binding and mandatory frameworks.

Key Participants & Discussants

• Indira Chongbang (FIWNA President, moderator)
• Shobha Sunuwar (NIWF General Secretary)
• Kalpana Bhattachan (NIWF Vice President)
• Uma Tamang (Indigenous Women Legal Awareness Group)
• Toran Gurung (Federation of Indigenous People of Nepal)
• Deepak Chaudhari (President)

Notable Points

Shobha Sunuwar highlighted that Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) protections have been "manipulated in Nepal" because developmental projects proceed without genuine indigenous community consent despite FPIC requirements.