The UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) used its 19th session in Geneva to intensify global attention on the state of Indigenous languages, highlighting both progress and persistent gaps in national and international commitments. The discussions formed part of the broader momentum generated by the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032), a framework intended to strengthen legal protections, revitalization efforts, and community‑driven governance of linguistic heritage.
Throughout the July 13-17 session, EMRIP members underscored that language rights remain inseparable from broader human rights obligations. Many states reported initiatives ranging from bilingual education programs to legislative reforms, yet the mechanism noted that implementation remains uneven. Delegates emphasized that without sustained political will, Indigenous languages continue to face structural vulnerabilities, particularly in regions where communities lack access to public services in their own languages or where revitalization programs are underfunded.
Digital transformation emerged as a central theme. Experts warned that rapid advances in artificial intelligence and digital platforms risk reproducing linguistic inequities. Several interventions pointed to the danger of AI systems misrepresenting or erasing Indigenous languages when datasets are incomplete, ungoverned, or extracted without community consent. UNESCO representatives highlighted the need for multilingual digital ecosystems that respect cultural integrity and support language transmission, especially for communities navigating hybrid online and offline environments.
Indigenous leaders and organizations stressed sovereignty over linguistic data, calling for governance models that ensure communities retain control over how their languages are recorded, stored, and used. They argued that ethical data practices must be embedded into all digital initiatives, from language documentation to machine‑learning applications. EMRIP members echoed these concerns, noting that Indigenous‑led monitoring and evaluation frameworks are essential for accountability.
The session concluded with calls for stronger coordination across UN agencies, national governments, and Indigenous institutions. EMRIP urged states to align their policies with the objectives of the International Decade and to adopt rights‑based approaches that center Indigenous knowledge systems. The dialogue reinforced that safeguarding Indigenous languages requires not only cultural recognition but also structural change across education, governance, technology, and global cooperation.
