Jus Pro Homine, Natura et Animalis: Dignifying the Right to Life of Arctic Indigenous Peoples

Abstract

Indigenous theorists have developed the multi-spatio-temporal accounts of relationality among humans, natures, and animals. In the context of the Arctic, a holistic approach that integrates the indigenous peoples, frozen water, and polar animals is advocated to ensure identity, spirituality, and hydrosocial or cryosocial relations. Such an ontological approach gains importance as the life-threatening phenomenon of climate change is increasingly affecting every aspect of the relationality, happening faster in the Arctic than anywhere on the planet. The adverse effects of climate change on the lives of Arctic indigenous peoples living together with natures and animals pressure us to reconceptualize the meaning of life in constitutional and international law. This paper examines the recent trend to extend the right to life from physical existence to decent existence of indigenous peoples, natures, and animals. It particularly analyses the climate litigations filed by Arctic indigenous peoples, in which they tailor their legal arguments in line with the concept of a dignified life. The author argues that the ontological right to life with dignity not only remedies the vulnerable positions of Arctic indigenous peoples but also corroborates the resilience of their hydrosocial or cryosocial relations with natures and animals.