Human Rights Mechanisms

Prabindra Shakya is a Nepali human rights activist, researcher, and academic who specializes in indigenous peoples’ rights, environmental justice, and community empowerment. He is a member of Nepal’s indigenous Newar community.
In this radio program, Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar) interviews Prabindra Shakya about the racial injustices faced by the Indigenous people of Nepal, as well as other Indigenous communities across Asia.
Music: "Burn your village to the ground", by The Haluci Nation, used with permission.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed each year on 21 March, marks the anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre, when police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire on a peaceful demonstration against apartheid pass laws, killing 69 people and injuring many more. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966, the day serves as a global call to confront racism, promote equality, and protect human dignity.
Produced by Shaldon Ferris (Khoi/San)
Music: "Whispers" by Ziibiwan, used with permission.

Ancestral remains of six Khoi and San individuals, exhumed between 1868 and 1924 and held at the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow, Scotland, have been returned to South Africa. The remains were formally repatriated in October 2025, marking a significant event for national healing and the restoration of dignity for the affected communities. The remains, which include those from the Northern and Western Cape, have been returned to the Iziko Museums in Cape Town and will be reburied in the Northern Cape at a later date.

Bonded labor, also known as debt bondage, remains a widespread form of modern slavery in parts of Asia, particularly in countries like India and Bangladesh. It typically occurs when individuals are forced to work to repay a debt under exploitative conditions, often with little or no wages and no clear end to their obligation. Entire families, including children, can be trapped in cycles of debt for generations, working in sectors like agriculture, textiles, and mining. Despite legal bans in many countries, weak enforcement and poverty continue to fuel this human rights violation.

The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, observed annually on August 23rd, honors the millions of men, women, and children who were subjected to the brutalities of transoceanic slavery, and commemorates the uprisings and resistance that led to its eventual abolition. This day not only acknowledges the resilience and courage of the enslaved but also recognizes the often-overlooked roles played by Indigenous peoples.

In this interview, Dev Kumar Sunuwar of Cultural Survival speaks with Mohammed Rofique, a member of the Rohingya community, who shares the powerful story of how his family was forced to flee their homeland in Myanmar. Rofique recounts the difficult and dangerous journey they undertook, crossing rugged terrain, dense forests, and treacherous paths in search of safety. Facing violence, uncertainty, and exhaustion, his family ultimately reached the border of Bangladesh, where they sought refuge.

Indigenous peoples possess rich, ancient cultures and see their social, economic, environmental, and spiritual systems as interconnected. Their traditional knowledge and understanding of ecosystem management contribute greatly to global heritage. However, they remain among the most vulnerable and marginalized groups. It is crucial to ensure their voices are heard, their rights upheld, and their well-being enhanced. On International Human Solidarity Day, we call for solidarity in advocating for the preservation of Indigenous cultures, lands, and traditions.

The  Just Transition: Indigenous Peoples’ Perspectives, Knowledge and Lived Experiences Summit took place in Geneva Switzerland from October 8th to October 10th, and Indigenous actvists from around the world were present.
Cultural Survival interviewed some of the delegates.
Produced by Guadalupe Pastrana (Nahua)
Marco Lara (Hñähñu descent)
Shaldon Ferris (Khoi/San)
Interviewees: Adamou Amadou (Mbororo), Amina Amharech (Amazight),Beaska Nillas(Sami)
Music: ES_Walk These Shoes STEMS MELODY 44100

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed annually on October 17. This day seeks to promote understanding and dialogue between individuals experiencing poverty and the wider community. In this radio program, we will hear from Diana Pastor (Maya Ki'che) and Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar), who will discuss the effects of poverty on Indigenous Peoples in Guatemala and Nepal, respectively.
Produced by Shaldon Ferris (Khoi/San)
Voices: Diana Pastor (Maya K'iche) and Dev Kumar Sunuwar (Sunuwar)

Cultural Survival focuses on Indigenous Peoples in their totality. We understand that colonization has twisted our collective worldview, and as a result, we live today in a world where gender relationships are out of balance. As part of our commemoration of Pride Month, we hear from Cultural Survival Staff member, Pablo Xol.
Produced by Shaldon Ferris (Khoi/San)
Interviewee: Pablo Xol (Maya Qʼeqchiʼ)
Music
"Andina" by Yarina, used with permission
"Burn your village to the ground", by The Halluci Nation, used with permission.