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Amplifying Indigenous Women’s Voices at the 18th Session of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP18)

  • ONWA
  • 5 days ago
  • 3 min read

Geneva, Switzerland – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is joining Indigenous Peoples from around the world at the 18th Session of the United Nations (UN) Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP18) from July 14-18, 2025.


EMRIP is one of only a few UN entities that focus specifically on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. With the rise of anti-rights and anti-Indigenous rhetoric, and a global focus on economic development and responding to tariffs, Indigenous women’s voices and solutions are urgently needed in government and global discussions.


“Our attendance at EMRIP is not symbolic – it is essential. Indigenous women are at the forefront of defending our lands and waters, preserving our culture, and nurturing our communities. Yet, our voices are often excluded from decision-making. We are here to change that by bringing our voices, our solutions, and our leadership to EMRIP and back home” – Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO, ONWA.


By attending UN sessions like EMRIP18, ONWA is amplifying the voices of Indigenous women in community, including ONWA’s membership. ONWA raises issues of importance to Indigenous women at the international level to hold Canada accountable to their international human rights obligations and domestic responsibilities to uphold Indigenous women’s rights.  


Attending EMRIP18 is an opportunity for ONWA to continue advocating for the full realization of Indigenous Peoples rights by bringing the lived realities, leadership, and solutions of Indigenous women. At this year’s EMRIP session, ONWA will make oral statements to the EMRIP Committee and Member States/governments emphasizing Indigenous women’s right to decision making and safety. ONWA will also host a side event on Indigenous women’s leadership, safety and healing during economic uncertainty. The event will offer a panel discussion with two EMRIP members, the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and Indigenous women leaders from around the globe. 


“Indigenous women make significant contributions to the economy. Our safety is a pre-requisite to our economic wellbeing and fulfilling our economic potential. It is crucial that all levels of government and the United Nations not lose sight of their human rights obligations and responsibility to uphold the safety of Indigenous women” – Ingrid Green, Director of Research and Evaluation, ONWA.

 


Follow ONWA at EMRIP18


Keep up to date with the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)’s 18th session of the United Nations (UN) Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) journey:

 


About the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples  


The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) was established by the Human Rights Council, the UN’s main human rights body, in 2007. The Expert Mechanism conducts studies to advance the promotion and protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights by: 

  • clarifying the implications of key principles, such as self-determination and free, prior and informed consent 

  • examining good practices and challenges in a broad array of areas pertaining to Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and

  • suggesting measures that States and others can adopt at the level of laws, policies and programmes.


Each year, the Expert Mechanism holds a five-day session in which representatives from states, Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, civil society, inter-governmental organizations and academia take part. You can learn more about the Expert Mechanism here: https://www.ohchr.org/en/hrc-subsidiaries/expert-mechanism-on-indigenous-peoples

 

 

For more information and media inquiries, contact: 

Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager

Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)

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