Baku: Forced land dispossession is among the primary challenges faced by indigenous peoples globally, as emphasized by Omar Siddique, head of the Canada office of UN-Habitat. Siddique made these remarks during a session titled 'The Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Adequate Housing for All Indigenous Peoples in Their Diversity', which was part of the WUF13 event.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Siddique pointed out that historical injustices, colonialism, and systematic land dispossession are the root causes of the challenges indigenous peoples encounter in securing adequate housing. He noted that issues like homelessness, forced displacement, land seizure, and forced evictions continue to affect indigenous communities worldwide.

Siddique emphasized that adequate housing for indigenous peoples is intrinsically linked to land, culture, and traditional knowledge. Ensuring housing rights, he stated, requires a rights-based approach that involves the participation of indigenous peoples in decision-making processes. He mentioned that the recommendations developed during the session will be included in the 'Baku Call to Action', the concluding document of WUF13, and will inform future discussions on implementing the New Urban Agenda.