REPALEF, its networks and indigenous organizations in the DRC are preparing to celebrate the International Day of Indigenous Peoples, JIPA 2013, with activities planned both at national and provincial level.

 The international theme for 2013 is "Indigenous peoples building alliances: Honoring treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements".

 At national level we translated the theme into an appeal to our State to comply with treaties and commitments embodied in United Nations instruments that recognize and protect the rights of indigenous peoples, highlighting the call through three key messages on rights to:

1. Securing of lands and traditional territories of  indigenous peoples
2. Access to basic social services
3.  Participation in national dialogue

 
The national celebration of this day is scheduled to take place in the city of Inongo, in the Maindombe District, Bandundu Province.  

On the sidelines of the day’s celebrations in Inongo, the Ministry of Social affairs, humanitarian action and national solidarity which will be spearheading the event at government level,   REPALEF and its member organization UDEM (Union for the development of Ekonda Minorities) are preparing several activities, including cultural festivities to ensure social integration.

 
A press conference will be hosted by REPALEF and its member organization LINAPYCO (League of pygmy indigenous associations in Congo) on 9 August 2013 at the Head Office of the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA).

 
REPALEF thanks a number of traditional partners of the Indigenous Peoples who showed their willingness to provide technical and financial assistance towards the organization of the event in Inongo (namely,   WWF, UNFPA ,  Forest Peoples Programme FPP and the Government )
 
REPALEF equally thanks in advance anyone who will devote any attention to this great day of the indigenous  peoples.

For more information, please contact:

Joseph ITONGWA MUKUMO

National Coordinator

Tel: +243 991 755 681