Indigenous peoples have long been struggling to defend their rights against criminalization and impunity at the local, national and regional levels. However, there are no concerted efforts to address this issue in a sustained and systematic manner. The Indigenous Peoples rights International (IPRI) launched a Global Initiative to address criminalization of and impunity against Indigenous Peoples (Global Initiative). It is a global effort to be led by Indigenous Peoples leaders and organizations to strengthen coordination, solidarity and actions on this critical issue at all levels to improve the situation of indigenous peoples.

The aim of this Global Initiative is to prevent, respond, reduce and prevent acts of criminalization, violence and impunity against indigenous peoples and to provide better protection and access to justice for actual and potential victims not only as individuals but as collectives or communities.

This Global Initiative shall also raise and allocate funds to provide emergency support for indigenous leaders, and rights defenders needing protection or security measures; and for victims and or their families seeking justice thru legal and other forms of remedies or support.

Objectives

The Legal and Sanctuary  Fund of IPRI was set up with the following objectives: 

1. To provide resources for legal support, and related assistance to Indigenous Peoples or organizations who are falsely accused or criminalized, or are facing legal sanctions because of their actions to exercise or defend their individual or collective rights;
2. To   provide  resources for sanctuary   to   Indigenous Peoples   who   are   facing   serious   threats   to   their   personal   security  and  wellbeing  as  a  consequence  of  their  human  rights  work.   
3. To respond   to   immediate   and   urgent   needs   of Indigenous Peoples or their organizations and/or   their   families and or their communities to address serious threats to their rights and or  to  mitigate  the  consequences  of  the  violations  of  their  rights.
4. To support and strengthen Indigenous Peoples’ traditional justice and governance systems that protect and support those who suffer from criminalization.

This  Fund  shall  complement  other  actions  done by other persons or organization to provide support and assistance for the promotion   and   protection   of   human   rights   of   indigenous  peoples against criminalization and impunity, and for access to justice. These may  include advocacy activities to generate public pressure, submission of communications to relevant UN human rights bodies, collaboration with human rights institutions and advocates for joint actions, collaboration with other funds, donors, dialogues with relevant leaders, facilitation of access redress mechanisms as appropriate, among others.