Asian Indigenous Peoples (IPs) comprise the world’s largest Indigenous population, yet they lack the regional human rights charters and standardized oversight institutions found in other parts of the world. Despite headline global pledges for climate and conservation, direct funding reaching IPs remains miniscule. Current philanthropic models often rely on “projectification,” imposing heavy bureaucratic reporting burdens that distract Indigenous organizations from their core, self-determined objectives.

Movement Building and Challenges

Regional organizations like the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) are vital for unifying IP movements but face the “dual character” challenge of balancing internal member representation with external accountability to state governments and donors.