Indigenous leaders protest for inclusion at COP17 in Mongolia

Indigenous leaders from around the world held protests during the 17th United Nations Conference to Combat Desertification (COP17) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The demonstrators are demanding inclusion in official negotiations, arguing that the current ‘Indigenous and Traditional Communities Caucus’ is merely symbolic and fails to provide meaningful or effective participation.

Oumarou Ibrahim Hindou, a leader of the Indigenous Women's Association of Peul Women of Chad (AFPAT), called for greater respect from government leaders, stating that indigenous peoples seek recognition of their rights and territories. Additionally, protesters demanded the reinstatement of gender and social participation topics on the official agenda, which were reportedly removed at the request of the United States.

Sonia Astuhuamán Pardavé, a Quechua leader from the Kuntur Wanka nation in Peru, emphasized that indigenous communities are essential guardians of nature and must be involved in decisions regarding land and climate crises.