E/2024/43 E/C.19/2024/8 and programmes for reproductive health services so that Indigenous women can receive quality health services. 94. Indigenous Peoples of the region pointed out the complex relationship between cultural diversity and democracy. Indigenous Peoples experience limitations to meaningful participation in institutions, and lack decision-making capacity in legislative, executive and judicial bodies, where norms, budgets and public policies are established. This situation has led to a lack of respect for autonomy and self determination, increased criminalization of Indigenous Peoples’ leaders and human rights defenders, a lack of proper consultation to obtain free, prior and informed consent, extractivism and deforestation of Indigenous Peoples’ lands and territories. 95. The Permanent Forum heard that, in the name of safeguarding democracy, Governments in the region had implemented exceptional measures that favour repression and criminalization, promote authoritarianism, and suppress protests and demands for self-governance. Indigenous Peoples expressed concern that the results of electoral mechanisms such as referendums were not respected. 96. Indigenous Peoples also pointed out the alarming increase in crimi nalization, attacks, killings and arbitrary detention of Indigenous Peoples’ leaders and human rights defenders, with Indigenous Peoples’ justice systems being ignored. The Permanent Forum was informed about hate speech and stigmatizing rhetoric associating Indigenous movements with illegal armed groups, thereby putting the lives of Indigenous Peoples at risk. Central and Eastern Europe, the Russian Federation, Central Asia and Transcaucasia 97. Indigenous Peoples’ languages in the Russian Federation are endangered and may face extinction. It is imperative to enforce the Declaration in order to preserve these languages. Member States must commit to supporting and funding comprehensive programmes to preserve Indigenous Peoples’ languages. 98. The Permanent Forum heard that the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine has exacerbated numerous risks for Indigenous Peoples, posing severe existential threats, including forced conscription, massive displacement and attacks targeting their identities. The increase in the criminalization of Indigenous leaders undermines Indigenous Peoples’ representative institutions, further jeopardizing their collective rights. 99. Failing to consider the rights of Indigenous Peoples during the transition to green economies could perpetuate historical injustices and lead to further marginalization and discrimination of Indigenous Peoples, as well as the loss of their lands, territories and resources. 100. The Permanent Forum notes that boarding schools in the Russian Federation continue to affect Indigenous Peoples. Cases brought to the attention of the Forum highlighted discrimination in educational settings and the urgent need for equitable education policies. Member States must develop educational programmes tailor ed to meet the specific needs of Indigenous Peoples, in particular in remote areas. The superficial measures of the Government of the Russian Federation fail to empower Indigenous Peoples. 101. The youth council of the Krasnoyarsk Krai exemplifies engagement in preserving Indigenous Peoples’ cultures and languages. Initiatives such as the “Siberian Argish” youth forum and collaborations with academic institutions highlight the importance of integrating traditional practices with modern t echnologies to maintain cultural continuity. 24-07820 17/28