Securing Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in the Green Economy (SIRGE) Coalition
The SIRGE coalition consists of Indigenous communities and leaders, working with supportive non-governmental organisations. Together they are striving to achieve a just energy transition while bolstering Indigenous communities.
The SIRGE coalition calls upon decision-makers in governments, business and the financial world to avoid repeating the errors of the colonial past, and to guarantee the rights and self-determination of Indigenous communities throughout the world.
Indigenous communities raise awareness about the impact of the proposed lithium mine at Peehee Mu'huh on their sacred burial site, water resources, and wildlife. Photo: Chanda Callao/@Peopleofredmountain
The aims of the SIRGE coalition
The main aim of the SIRGE coalition is to support Indigenous communities in the struggle for self-determination. As regards transition mineral supply chains, the SIRGE coalition focuses on the urgent need to fully implement the rights set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), in particular the right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
Organisations of the SIRGE coalition
The SIRGE coalition has an executive committee comprising representatives of five organisations, and is led by an Indigenous steering committee. This consists of two Indigenous representatives from each of the seven world’s Indigenous sociocultural regions and the chair of the executive committee. The following five organisations are members of the SIRGE Coalition:
Cultural Survival
Since 1972, the US-based “Cultural Survival” organisation advocates for the rights of Indigenous communities worldwide and supports their self-determination and cultural and political resilience. “Cultural Survival” is committed to promoting the rights, self-determination and autonomy of Indigenous communities by means of advocacy, communications, capacity building and grantmaking.
First Peoples Worldwide
“First Peoples Worldwide” in Colorado, USA, campaigns for the respect of the rights of Indigenous communities in the economy. At the interface of the economy, the law and the financial world, the organisation is committed to ensuring that companies apply due diligence towards Indigenous communities and to making them aware of the impact of their business projects. “First Peoples Worldwide” focuses on international advocacy, capacity building, network facilitation and research.
Earthworks
Since 1998, the US “Earthworks” organisation has been supporting communities to protect their health, land, water and air from the negative impacts of the extractive industries. At the same time, it promotes sustainable solutions in this area. In so doing, it works with communities in the frontline, using science in innovative ways and promoting communities’ self-determination in order to ensure a better and more equitable future.
The Society for Threatened Peoples
The “Society for Threatened Peoples” (STP) is an international human rights organisation that campaigns on behalf of minorities and Indigenous communities. It documents human rights violations, informs the public, raises awareness and represents the interests of affected groups to authorities and decision-makers. It supports local efforts to reinforce the human rights of minorities and Indigenous communities. One of its focuses is on the impact of resource mining for Indigenous communities and minorities. The “Society for Threatened Peoples” has advisory status both with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the Council of Europe.