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ONWA

ONWA at HRC 2024

Updated: Oct 18

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is attending the United Nations the second Human Rights Council (HRC) intersessional meeting on enhanced participation of Indigenous Peoples from October 15-18, 2024, in Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.


Highlights

Here are some highlights from our time there (click to jump to section):


 

Press Release 



Ontario Native Women’s Association Amplifying Indigenous Women’s Voices at United Nations Human Rights Council

Friday, September 27, 2024


Geneva, Switzerland – At the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), we work to amplify Indigenous women’s rights locally, nationally, and internationally. As a part of this work, ONWA is taking up our rightful space at the 57th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC57), taking place from September 9 to October 11 at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland. 



 


Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Attends Key International Meetings to advocate for Indigenous Women’s Rights

Monday, October 14, 2024


Geneva, Switzerland – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is proud to announce its participation in key United Nations (UN) sessions taking place throughout October in Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.


 

 

Why We Are Attending the Conference


Educate

By participating in the UN Human Rights Council meeting, ONWA is amplifying the voices and experiences of Indigenous women. Our aim is to inform decision making on concrete ways to enhanced Indigenous Peoples participation in the HRC and the UN, including the participation of Indigenous women. This engagement is vital for fostering meaningful change and advancing justice for Indigenous communities on the global stage.


 

Advocate

ONWA is dedicated to building strong relationships with Indigenous Peoples, their organizations, and UN entities to strengthen our ongoing advocacy efforts. At the UN Human Rights Council meeting, we push for ONWA’s recommendations to be included in the final report from the two intersessional meetings, ensuring that the voices of Indigenous women are integral to decision-making and policy development.


 

Support

By participating in the UN Human Rights Council meeting, ONWA is committed to ensuring that Indigenous women’s voices and experiences are represented in critical decision-making processes. This important dialogue elevates the perspectives of Indigenous women and advocates for their rights, ensuring that their unique challenges are addressed and prioritized.


 

At the Conference - Day 1

Thursday, October 17, 2024



✨ ONWA Speaks at the United Nations Human Rights Council ✨


Ingrid Green, Director of Research and Evaluation, ONWA, spoke at the 2nd intersessional meeting of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, Switzerland.


She spoke on the enhanced participation of Indigenous Peoples in the HRC, highlighting the importance of Indigenous women’s voices in shaping our future, stating: "It is important that Indigenous women speak on our own behalf and represent ourselves, our families, and our future generations. We look forward to continuing to work with the leaders here and at home to further these efforts."


Watch her full speech where she shares our vision for Indigenous women's rights and empowerment: 🔗 https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1y/k1yem7j5ap?kalturaStartTime=6796



 


🌟 ONWA is proud to share Indigenous women’s voices at the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council (HRC), advocating for meaningful change and accountability!



 


The Second intersessional meeting of the Human Rights Council on concrete ways to enhance the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the work of the Council is officially underway!


ONWA is honoured to be part of the conversation, ensuring that Indigenous women’s voices are heard when global human rights policies are being shaped.


 


🌍 ONWA at the United Nations Human Rights Council! 🌿 ONWA is proud to announce our participation in the Second UN Human Rights Council (HRC) Intersessional Meeting! This pivotal event focuses on enhancing Indigenous Peoples' participation in the HRC. We will continue to advocate that the rights of Indigenous women and girls should be represented on a global stage. 🙌


 

At the Conference - Day 2

Friday, October 18, 2024



🌍 Advocating at the United Nations Human Rights Council🌿


Ingrid Green, Director of Research and Evaluation, had the honor of speaking at the 3rd Meeting of the Second Intersessional Meeting on the Participation of Indigenous Peoples at the UN in Geneva, stating:


"As Indigenous women, the issues we face and solutions we hold are intersectional and complex. We must not be limited to participation in only certain spaces. We must honor our sacred responsibility to speak on our own behalf and represent ourselves, our families, and our future generations."


 


“ONWA will continue to advocate for all Indigenous women’s unique needs and our rights to be recognized and upheld. Indigenous women have always driven the change required for Indigenous women’s rights to be upheld, remove discrimination, and provide solutions to the issues we face.” - Vicky Woodbeck, Assistant Director of Community Services, Ontario Native Women's Association


 

Chief Marilyn Slett with the Indian Act Sex Discrimination Working Group. On October 14, Slett addressed the UN CEDAW Committees review, where Canada faced questions on its record of sex discrimination against First Nations women and their descendants under the Indian Act. Photo via UBCIC on X

Indigenous women accuse Canadian government of maintaining a policy of ‘legislated extinction’ https://ricochet.media/indigenous/mmiwg/indigenous-women-accuse-canadian-government-of-maintaining-a-policy-of-legislated-extinction/


 



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