The world's indigenous peoples are making themselves heard in international arenas, and at the national level, where their growing mobilisation is translating into political muscle. But many challenges remain in the fight for recognition of all their rights.

PARAGUAY: Indigenous Women Leaders Buck Discrimination
By Natalia Ruiz Díaz
ASUNCION (IPS) – More and more indigenous women in Paraguay are overcoming sexist resistance in their communities and emerging as leaders within and outside of their villages, fighting for the rights of their people and against discrimination.
www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=49232

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NEPAL: Hopes High for Environmental Rights in New Constitution
By Mallika Aryal
KATHMANDU (IPS) – As the new federal republic of Nepal forges ahead with writing a new constitution, activists are demanding that environmental rights be enshrined in this important document.
www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=49162

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PERU: Cuzco Women Stand Up to Violence
By Milagros Salazar
CUZCO, Peru (IPS) – For tourists and other visitors, Cuzco has a special fascination as the ancient capital of the Inca empire. But social scientists know it as one of the areas in the world with the highest rates of violence against women.
www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=49131

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RIGHTS-INDIA: Gov?t Urged to Rethink War on Maoists
By Ranjit Devraj
NEW DELHI (IPS) – In the lull before the storm that the central government has vowed to unleash on Maoist rebels this month, voices of caution are being heard against precipitating an armed confrontation that could further hurt marginalised and largely indigenous populations in the worst affected central and eastern Indian states.
www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=49145

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INDIA/CHINA: Dalai Lama?s Border State Visit: Purely Spiritual?
Analysis by Ranjit Devraj
NEW DELHI (IPS) – It is hard to say whether the Dalai Lama?s sojourn this week in India?s Arunachal Pradesh state?which China claims as southern Tibet?is a purely spiritual exercise or a trip with a deep political mission.
www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=49227

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