Assam activist Pranab Doley represents India at UN forum on indigenous rights

Guwahati: A human rights activist, Pranab Doley from Assam's Bokakhat, represented India at the 14th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva on Tuesday, as indigenous rights gain attention in climate change negotiations at COP30 and other international forums.

Doley’s participation is seen as a rare honour for the indigenous and tribal people of Northeast India and is expected to inspire emerging leaders across various communities.

Doley spoke at the session titled “Advancing the Just Transition During Times of Crises,” co-organised by the Asia Indigenous Peoples Network on Extractive Industries and Energy (AIPNEE), UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, UNICEF, Thomson Reuters Foundation, DanChurchAid, BlueGreen Coastal Resources, Indigenous Peoples Rights International, and the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre.

Addressing over 4,000 delegates both in-person and online from the Assembly Hall of the Palais des Nations at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Doley drew strength from the large presence of indigenous delegates.

“I have been part of many struggles of communities to protect their land from different projects, from solar to conservation projects. These communities believed these projects were not right for their lands, and the struggle continues. It is also comforting to see so many other indigenous people here who share the same story and give me the strength to stand before you,” Doley said, opening his address.

The session examined how states and businesses can support a just energy transition while respecting human rights.

A just energy transition is defined as moving to a low-carbon, sustainable economy in a way that is fair and equitable for all. Doley focused on how indigenous communities are affected by this transition.

“What indigenous people call their homes still host the majority of forests, the cleanest water, oceans, and the earth’s resources. Ironically, these lands also contain most of the minerals needed for a just transition. Indigenous communities already provide much by being guardians and stewards, protecting these resources, clean air, and water,” Doley underlined.

Highlighting the challenges indigenous voices face in policy discussions, Doley appealed for their recognition in the energy transition process. “We are vulnerable, not because we do not know how to deal with nature, but because of leaders’ lack of understanding, courage, and integrity. Indigenous people are not demanding anything from others’ homes; we simply want to protect our own to safeguard this earth for everyone,” he said.

Doley also urged governments and businesses to adopt zero tolerance for violations of indigenous rights. “The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples [UNDRIP] and all 31 UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) should be binding and strictly followed by every country,” he stated.

Working with indigenous and marginalised communities across India for more than a decade, Doley has helped form the Greater Kaziranga Land and Human Rights Protection Committee (GKLHRPC), which advocates for over 100 villages around Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.

He has led successful campaigns against land acquisition for a solar power project in Karbi Anglong, which threatened tribal rights under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

After objections from local communities, the Asian Development Bank withdrew financial support, preventing the displacement of several tribal villages.

A strong voice for youth in Assam, Doley also led efforts to protect the land of Adivasi farmers in Kaziranga and safeguard wildlife corridors from proposed five-star hotel developments.