Championing Indigenous Rights: A Conversation with Dr. Elsa Stamatopoulou
Episode Overview
Dr. Stamatopoulou's journey from law studies to working on human rights at the United Nations and focusing on Indigenous Peoples' rights The historical significance of Indigenous Peoples' movement in international arenas and the struggle for recognition Challenges faced by Indigenous communities in land rights, cultural preservation, and self-determination The importance of ongoing training, awareness, and advocacy to promote understanding of Indigenous issues Examples of progress and achievements in recognising Indigenous rights and cultural heritage
Human rights is about resistance to systems that are imposed on us, right? It's norms that we put forward to critique the state and actions we take to change our lives as human beings.
What does it mean to truly champion human rights, especially for Indigenous communities? In this episode of 'Empathetic Witness', Dr. Elsa Stamatopoulou, a veteran human rights lawyer and academic, dives into her extensive career dedicated to these causes. With over three decades of service at the United Nations and a pivotal role in Indigenous Peoples' rights, Dr. Stamatopoulou brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table.
She shares her journey from her early days at the UN to becoming the first Chief of the Secretariat of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Her story is one of tireless advocacy and groundbreaking achievements, including teaching the first-ever courses on Indigenous Peoples' rights and cultural rights at Columbia University. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in human rights, social justice, and the ongoing efforts to support Indigenous communities. Dr.
Stamatopoulou discusses the importance of continued education and solidarity movements in promoting and protecting these rights. Whether you're an activist, a student, or simply someone who cares about equality and justice, you'll find her insights both enlightening and inspiring.