Organization of American States (OAS)

 

Across the Americas, Indigenous communities continue to face systemic inequalities – economically, politically, and geographically. This committee will first address how environmental injustice, such as poor infrastructure, hazardous living conditions, contaminated housing and resources, disproportionately affect Indigenous populations. Indigenous communities also face displacement due to development projects, resource extraction, and climate change. They are routinely exposed to toxic substances in their lands and poisoned waters due to both reckless companies and the lack of public regulation. The committee then turns to the consequences of geographic marginalization. Indigenous peoples often live in isolated areas with limited access to essential services and stable employment. Furthermore, communities located in remote areas face significantly higher prices for essential groceries and household goods. Coupled with lower incomes, these communities face food insecurity at the detriment to their overall health and well-being. Delegates must tackle how cycles of poverty are maintained through spatial exclusion and lack of investment.