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“Ignoring indigenous peoples in this situation would be the worst mistake we can make.” Máximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist and ADG of the Economic and Social Development Department at FAO The webinar on Indigenous Peoples and COVID-19 hosted by FAO brought together a panel of distinguished experts and almost 300 participants including FAO Member Country representatives, indigenous organizations, institutions and universities. The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected the world. The health crisis coupled by the socioeconomic effects derived from the confinement affecting, mobility, livelihoods, income generation, and access to food...

 Since 2015, FAO in partnership with the International Indigenous Women's Forum and other indigenous and women organizations have implemented 11 editions of the Indigenous Women Leadership School Programme in Africa, Asia and Latin America.   This is a short-term programme that creates a space for indigenous women to discuss and exchange knowledge on the specific challenges they face and their contributions to food security. Learn more about the programme here: 

The Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic could have serious effects on indigenous peoples’ wellbeing, livelihoods and health. FAO urges governments, academia, NGOs, international community and indigenous peoples authorities to take specific measures that ensure the respect to indigenous peoples’ rights during the pandemic and that includes an intercultural approach when dealing with the emergency, safety and health aspects of the response. Based on the UN Declaration of Indigenous Peoples Rights and on WHO messages, The FAO Indigenous Peoples Unit makes the following recommendations: