DOUBLE DISCRIMINATION OF INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES WITH RESPECT TO CLIMATE CRISIS
AUTHOR – B.TANUJ GOUD, STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF LAW, CHRIST (DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY), BANGALORE
BEST CITATION – B.TANUJ GOUD, DOUBLE DISCRIMINATION OF INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES WITH RESPECT TO CLIMATE CRISIS, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 4 (1) OF 2024, PG. 298-304, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
ABSTRACT:
Indigenous communities, already marginalized and discriminated against as minorities, face a double burden with the escalation of the climate crisis. Indigenous communities across the world are disproportionately affected by the adverse impacts of climate change, as they depend heavily on natural resources for their livelihood and have a strong cultural and spiritual connection to their land. In India, the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, also known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA), and various International Conventions. They recognize and upholds the rights of forest-dwelling indigenous communities. The Act provides for the recognition and vesting of forest rights including land and resources, in order to empower these communities and protect their cultural, livelihood, and habitat rights. The legal safeguards, indigenous communities in India continue to face discrimination and human rights violations in the face of the climate crisis. Their ancestral lands and resources are increasingly threatened by deforestation, land encroachments, mining activities, and other ecological disturbances. Additionally, they often lack access to adequate healthcare, education, and socio-economic opportunities, further exacerbating their vulnerability. To address this issue, it is crucial to strengthen the implementation of the Forest Rights Act and ensure that indigenous communities have effective participation in decision-making processes related to climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. It is important to recognize and respect their traditional knowledge and practices, as they have proven to be sustainable and resilient over centuries. Efforts should also be made to raise awareness and sensitize the broader society to the unique challenges faced by indigenous communities in the climate crisis. This can be achieved through education campaigns, capacity-building initiatives, and promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity. In conclusion, the discrimination faced by indigenous communities due to their indigenous status and the climate crisis is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention. Empowering these communities through stronger legal frameworks and proactive measures will not only ensure their resilience in the face of climate challenges but also uphold their human rights.[1]
[1] How is climate change affecting indigenous communities? | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)