About Us

ABIPA (All Burma Indigenous Peoples’ Alliance)

Introduction:  

ABIPA (All Burma Indigenous Peoples’ Alliance) is a civil society organization (CSO) platform that unites various indigenous CSOs from Myanmar’s States and Regions. Our alliance focuses on indigenous affairs, environmental issues, and land rights advocacy. Our network comprises organizations from Kachin State, Chin State, Naga Region, Shan State, Karen State, Karenni State, Mon State, and Tanintharyi Region.

 History and Evolution:  

ABIPA was formerly known as ICCA NEWS (Indigenous Community Conserved Areas – North East West South) and was established in 2018 in the wake of repressive laws in Myanmar. Under the ICCA NEWS banner, our member organizations conducted extensive research on environmental and land rights issues, documented traditional knowledge, and engaged in national-level advocacy. This platform was established through a collaborative process, with all indigenous groups actively participating and appointing regional leaders to steer our initiatives.

 Post-Coup Transformation:  

Following the coup d’état by the Myanmar Military Council, our platform evolved into the All Burma Indigenous Peoples’ Alliance (ABIPA). In February 2021, amidst the political turmoil, we issued two statements condemning the coup and engaged with the UN Indigenous Peoples Special Rapporteur. Despite the challenges, we continue to prepare for further contributions in collaboration with the National Unity Government (NUG).

Mission and Objectives:

ABIPA’s mission is to advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples, preserve environmental integrity, and secure land rights through a bottom-up approach. Our objectives include:

1.   Advocating for Indigenous Rights: Promote and protect the rights of indigenous communities, focusing on land ownership and self-determination.
2.   Raising Awareness: Increase understanding of indigenous issues and rights within Myanmar and on international platforms.
3.   Environmental Conservation: Preserve community-conserved areas by advocating for cultural recognition and environmental stewardship.
4.   Policy Reform: Lobby for new land laws that recognize and protect indigenous and local communities’ rights.
5.   Supporting Decentralization: Promote local governance and decentralization, aligning with future federalism goals.
6.   Providing Humanitarian Aid: Deliver emergency assistance to indigenous communities affected by crises.

Vision

ABIPA envisions a future where indigenous peoples across Myanmar are empowered and their rights to self-determination, land ownership, and governance are recognized and upheld. We aim to promote sustainable environmental stewardship by preserving community-conserved areas and advocating for environmental justice, while fostering resilient and inclusive communities capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change. Through unified advocacy efforts, we seek policy changes that protect indigenous land rights, support a decentralized governance model compatible with future federalism, and raise awareness about the importance of indigenous rights, environmental conservation, and sustainable land management.

Challenges and Advocacy:  

The existing laws in Myanmar pose significant threats to the indigenous peoples, depriving them of land ownership and governance rights. Our advocacy efforts face challenges due to limited understanding of indigenous concepts within the country, despite broader international awareness. Environmental and climate change issues are often sidelined in political agendas, making it difficult to advance indigenous rights.

Future Direction:  

Moving forward, ABIPA will continue to document and compile relevant information, implementing community-based initiatives through a bottom-up approach. Our efforts will focus on:

–   International Engagement:   Participating in global climate change discussions and regional-level ICCA dialogues.

–   Collaboration: Working on topics such as climate change, customary land tenure, ICCA, biodiversity, and land rights.

–   Community Empowerment: Empowering indigenous communities through education, capacity building, and active participation in environmental conservation and advocacy.

 Achievements:  

ABIPA has made significant strides in elevating indigenous issues to the international stage, sharing experiences, research, assessments, and case studies to reinforce our efforts. Our collaborative approach aims to foster a sustainable and equitable future for all indigenous peoples in Myanmar.

A completion of the Policy on the Rights to Territorial Governance of the Indigenous Peoples, Myanmar; Discussion Paper on PRTGRP and Declaration of the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples undertaken by ABIPA is a historic step for the indigenous peoples of Myanmar.