YOLA, 1st May 2021: Pastoralists Fulbe of Nigeria were represented at the 20th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) from the 19th to 30th April 2021, at the UN Headquarters, New York. The Theme of this year’s session was “Peace, justice and strong institutions: the role of indigenous peoples in implementing Sustainable Development Goal 16″
FUDECO Representative Jamila Hassan, Coordinator of Adamawa Chapter participated as part of her course on Indigenous Women Global Leadership Academy. She was selected among 10 African women to take part in the Leadership course after being nominated by the Chairman of FUDECO. The course covers leadership, advocacy, reporting human rights violations and using international mechanisms.
One major outcome of her participation in the forum is the submission of a report on the massacre of pastoralists in Nigeria highlighting the massacre of 20 Fulani in Igbariam, Oyi Local Council of Anambra State, to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The other concrete outcome is the approval of her proposed advocacy project on the education and rights of pastoralists girls to be implemented by FUDECO in Adamawa State.
Jamila Hassan said: “This is one of the most remarkable international experiences I have had besides my study in the UK. I was able to understand that the UN has really dedicated time and space for the indigenous people to share their views, statements, problems and recommendations which in turn the UN documents for implementation and follow-up. This single exposure has given me hope and strength that at the global level justice and equality still exist. Thus, continue to fight for the rights of my indigenous people despite the struggle to survive at the local level not to mention the challenges we face on daily basis. It has also sharpened my perspective about advocacy, human rights, and reporting procedures and hope to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Jamila Hassan, a founding member of FUDECO holds a Masters degree in International Relations from the UK and just completed a post-graduate Diploma in Education and works for an international development agency. She finishes the Women Global Leadership Course in a few days.
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Pastoralists all over the world are considered indigenous people under international law as contained in the UN Declaration on Indigenous People 2007. This definition has been adopted by African countries and the African Commission. It is a different definition from the local understanding of aboriginality as the only factor in defining indigeneity. It is based on self-identification, being marginalised, discriminated against and not part of mainstream ruling groups, maintaining a distinct culture and desire to keep it etc. The Massai, Berbers (Touaregs) and pastoralists in Asia are also part of the international indigenous movement.
FUDECO is dedicated to empowering pastoralists and finding new ways of tackling the problems of Fulbe in Nigeria at the local, national and international level. We cannot solve our problems locally or by common sense only. For the 20 years of existence of the UN Permanent Forum only Fulbe Cameroon and Chad have been taking part. Nigerian Fulbe are now not just at the at the door but inside of the United Nations.