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Charting a Path for Indigenous Media
A recent dialogue lead by UNESCO showed a significant step toward a future study on Indigenous Peoples and the Media. Hosted by UNESCO on 19 July 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, alongside the 16th session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), this event responded to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) recommendation to conduct a study on Indigenous Media for presentation in 2025. The brought together representatives from Indigenous media, public broadcasters, academics, human rights advocates and other stakeholders.
Guided by Article 16 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the panel proposed two central aspects for the forthcoming study:
1. Assessment of the status of Indigenous Media around the world
The study aims to comprehensively evaluate Indigenous Peoples' right to establish and manage their own media. This entails reviewing relevant documents, analyzing existing practices, engaging extensively with Indigenous Media and crafting an evidence-based methodology for future recommendations.
Mr Julian Burger, Visiting Professor at the University of Essex and former Head of OHCHR's Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Programme, emphasized the need for a detailed media landscape mapping, legal recognition of Indigenous media, capacity building for Indigenous media professionals and addressing funding challenges.
Indigenous media should be free and independent, including from the Tribal Councils, and provide critical and alternative views to Indigenous Peoples and society at large. The editorial independence lays the foundation to access reliable, truthful, fact-based information to Indigenous communities.
2. Engagement with States and accountability of Media
The study also seeks to foster dialogue between rights holders and duty bearers, including States, State media and public broadcasters. It will examine their role in ensuring equitable representation of Indigenous perspectives.
Mr Harry Lock, Editorial Manager of the Public Media Alliance and Ms Dorien Verckist, Senior Media Analyst of European Broadcasting Union, advocated for the integration of Indigenous journalism within media organizations and the development of comprehensive strategies for engagement with Indigenous media, as well as the importance of reliable data to prepare evidence-based study.
Moreover, the panel discussed the need for guidelines covering issues such as sovereignty, self-determination, freedom of expression, freedom of the press and the inherent right to storytelling as indicated in Article 16 of UNDRIP. They stressed the significance of data-driven decision-making, the accountability of Public Service Broadcasters and the development of consultative mechanisms for the study's preparation.
Indigenous journalism, as a distinctive practice, has been exercised by Indigenous peoples since time immemorial, particularly in relation to storytelling.
This meeting set the stage for a transformative study, aiming to impact long-term media operations, management practices and create opportunities for Indigenous media professionals.
The study will focus to play a pivotal role in addressing the rights and representation of Indigenous Peoples in the media landscape.
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