Indigenous rights, education, healthcare among 12 recommendations at Sylhet event

In Sylhet, Bangladesh, the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples was observed with a focus on "Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being." The Ethnic Community Development Organisation (ECDO) hosted a discussion with indigenous and tea-garden community representatives, alongside journalists.

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Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being

During the event, ECDO put forth a 12-point proposal advocating for enhanced recognition and protection of indigenous rights. Key recommendations included securing customary land rights, promoting mother tongue-based education, improving healthcare access, ensuring decent employment, and providing social protection. The organization also called for safeguarding the rights of women and children, fostering digital inclusion, and enabling meaningful participation in development initiatives.

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stronger recognition and protection of indigenous peoples’ rights, including customary land rights, mother tongue-based education, healthcare, decent employment, social protection, women and children’s rights, digital inclusion and meaningful participation in development processes.

ECDO emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among the government, civil society, development partners, and the media. This cooperation, they stated, is crucial for guaranteeing the rights, dignity, and sustainable development of indigenous peoples within Bangladesh. The event concluded with cultural performances by the Manipuri and tea-garden communities, celebrating their heritage.

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stronger cooperation among the government, civil society, development partners and the media to ensure the rights, dignity and sustainable development of indigenous peoples in Bangladesh.