UNPFII Fifteenth Session 9-20 May 2016

9 to 20 May 2016

United Nations Headquarters in New York

Theme: “Indigenous peoples: Conflict, Peace and Resolution”.

15th Session Report |AR| EN| ES| FR| RU| ZH|

15th Session Attendance |EN|

Provisional Agenda

1. Election of officers
2. Adoption of the agenda and organization of work
3. Follow-up to the recommendations of the Permanent Forum
4. Implementation of the six mandated areas of the Permanent Forum with reference to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
5. Discussion on the theme “Indigenous peoples: conflict, peace and resolution”
6. Dialogue with indigenous peoples
7. Dialogue with Member States
8. Dialogue with United Nations agencies, funds and programmes
9. Coordination among the three United Nations mechanisms pertaining to indigenous peoples:
(a) Coordination among the three United Nations mechanisms pertaining to indigenous peoples;
(b) Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples and the Chair of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
10. Future work of the Permanent Forum, including issues considered by the Economic and Social Council and emerging issues
11. Provisional agenda for the fifteenth session
12. Adoption of the report of the Permanent Forum on its fifteenth session

Programme of Work

Proposed organization of work AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH

First week	10 a.m.-1 p.m.	1-3 p.m.	3-6 p.m.
Monday, 9 May	11 am: Opening of the session, General Assembly Hall (Video) Ceremonial sound of a Kipa, a Kichwa Saraguro traditional instrument by Atahualpa Minga Declaration of the opening of the session by Mr. Wu Hongbo, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Ceremonial welcome by the traditional Chief of the Onondaga Nation, Todadaho Sid Hill Election of the Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (Item 1) Video message of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon Statement by the President of the 70th session of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Mogens Lykketoft Statement by the Vice President of ECOSOC, H.E. Mr. Sven Jürgenson Election of the Bureau of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (Item 1 continued) Adoption of the Agenda and Programme of Work (Item 2) Statement by the Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. English / Spanish Statement by Mr. Wu Hongbo, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Statement by Ms. Aura Leticia Teleguario, Minister of Labour and Social Prevention of Guatemala Statement by Ms. Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice of Canada	Side Events	Follow-up on the recommendations of the Permanent Forum: (Item 3) Video Link [Interactive dialogue]
			(a) Update on the implementation of the recommendations of the Permanent Forum by Oliver Loode. (b) International expert group meeting on the theme “Indigenous languages: preservation and revitalization (articles 13, 14 and 16 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples)” – E/C.19/2016/2
			(c) Studies prepared by members of the Permanent Forum: Study on the relationship between indigenous peoples and the Pacific Ocean, taking into account issues of governance, the effects of climate change, deep sea mining, resources and sustainable development by Valmaine Toki – E/C.19/2016/3 Study on how States exploit weak procedural rules in international organizations to devalue the United Nations Declaration and other international human rights law by Edward John and Dalee Sambo Dorough – E/C.19/2016/4
Tuesday, 10 May	Implementation of the six mandated areas of the Permanent Forum with reference to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Item 4) (Six mandated areas: health, education, human rights, economic and social development, environment and culture) Video Link [Speaker’s list]*	Side Events	Implementation of the six mandated areas of the Permanent Forum with reference to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Item 4 continued) Video Link [Speaker’s list]
Wednesday, 11 May	Special discussion on indigenous youth [follow-up on 2015 recommendation of UNPFII on self-harm and suicide] Implementation of the six mandated areas of the Permanent Forum with reference to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (Item 4 continued) Video Link [Speaker’s list]	Side Events	Closed meeting for Permanent Forum members
Thursday, 12 May	Implementation of the six mandated areas of the Permanent Forum with reference to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Item 4 continued) Video Link [Speaker’s list]	Side Events	Dialogue with Indigenous Peoples – closed meeting (Item 6) – Follow-up of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, particularly the implementation of national action plans; – Recommendations of the UNPFII and methods of work – The commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – (A/RES/70/232 ) [Interactive dialogue]
Friday, 13 May	Follow-up on the recommendations of the Permanent Forum (Item 3 continued) Video Link (d) Follow-up to the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples [Speaker’s list]	Side Events	Dialogue with United Nations agencies, programmes and funds – closed meeting (Item 8) – Implementation of the System-wide Action Plan on Indigenous Peoples (E.c.19/2016/5) – SDG’s engagement and collaboration – Discussion on the portfolio system. [Interactive dialogue]

Second week	10 a.m.-1 p.m.	1-3 p.m.	3-6 p.m.
Monday, 16 May	(Item 9) (a) Dialogue among the three United Nations Mechanisms pertaining to Indigenous Peoples; (b) Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples and the Chair of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Video Link [Interactive dialogue]	Side Events	Dialogue with Member States – closed meeting (Item 7) – Follow-up of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, particularly the implementation of national action plans; – Ways to promote the participation of Member States in Permanent Forum sessions as well as to increase responses from Member States to questionnaires sent by the Forum regarding the implementation of the recommendations; – Follow-up of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs – The commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – A/RES/70/232 [Interactive dialogue]
Tuesday, 17 May	Discussion on the theme: “Indigenous Peoples: conflict, peace and resolution” (Item 5) Concept Note \| EN \| ES \| FR \| RU Panel 1: Indigenous Peoples: conflict, peace and resolution Video Link Mr. Akli Sheika Bessadah, Imouhagh International Youth (Tuareg) Mr. Juvenal Arrieta, Organizacion Nacional Indigena de Colombia (ONIC-Colombia) Mr. Niengulo Krome, Naga People Movement for Human Rights (India) Mr. Yohanis Anari, Organisasi Pribumi Papua Barat, (West Papua) Co-moderation: Mr. Raja Devasish Roy, Member of the Forum and H. E. Mr. Phillip Taula, Deputy Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the UN. [Interactive dialogue]	Side Events	(Item 5 continued) Panel 2: Indigenous Women in Peace and Conflict Video Link Rosalina Tuyuc, National Association of Guatemalan Widows -CONAVIGUA; Dawn Lave-Harvard, President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada; Anita Isaacs, Haverford College. Moderated by: Maria Eugenia Choque, Member of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues [Interactive dialogue] Indigenous Women & the Women, Peace and Security Agenda – Prepared by UN Women
Wednesday, 18 May	Closed meeting for the Permanent Forum members	Side Events	Future work of the Permanent Forum, including issues considered by the Economic and Social Council and emerging issues (Item 10) Video Link Discussion includes: High-level political forum on sustainable development The role of the Permanent Forum in the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III Conference) – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) Empowerment of Indigenous Women: (a) 61st Commission on the Status of Women and indigenous women (b) Secretary-General High-level panel on Women’s Economic Empowerment Commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2017 – (A/RES/70/232) [Speaker’s list]
Thursday, 19 May	Implementation of the six mandated areas of the Permanent Forum with reference to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Item 4 continued) Video Link (Six mandated areas: health, education, human rights, economic and social development, environment and culture) [Speaker’s list]*	Side Events	Implementation of the six mandated areas of the Permanent Forum with reference to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Video Link (Item 4 continued) [Speaker’s list]
Friday 20, May	Closed meeting for Permanent Forum members	Side Events	Provisional agenda for the sixteenth session of the Permanent Forum (Item 11) Adoption of the report of the Permanent Forum on its fifteenth session (Item 12) Statement from H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations Video Link Statement of Mr. Alvaro Esteban Pop, Chair of the 15th Session of the Permanent Forum Video Link Closing of the session

Documents

Submitted by the Secretariat of the UNPFII:

E/C.19/2016/L.1/Rev.1 Proposed Programe of Work AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
E/C.19/2016/1 Provisional Agenda AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
E/C.19/2016/2 Report of the EGM on Indigenous Peoples and the 2030 Agenda AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
E/C.19/2016/5 System-wide action plan for ensuring a coherent approach to achieving the ends of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
E/C.19/2016/6 Compilation of information from Member States on addressing the recommendations of the Permanent Forum AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
E/C.19/2016/7 Compilation of information from national human rights institutions AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
E/C.19/2016/8 Compilation of information received from funds, programmes and specialized agencies of the United Nations system and other intergovernmental bodies on progress in the implementation of the recommendations of the Permanent Forum AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
E/C.19/2016/9 Compilation of information received from indigenous peoples’ organizations AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
E/C.19/2016/10 EGM on the theme “Indigenous languages: preservation and revitalization (articles 13, 14 and 16 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples)” AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
E/C.19/2016/INF/1 Participants to the Session AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH

Submitted by Members of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues:

E/C.19/2016/3 Study on the relationship between indigenous peoples and the Pacific Ocean by Valmaine Toki, member of the Forum AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
E/C.19/2016/4 Study on how States exploit weak procedural rules in international organizations to devalue the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and other international human rights law by Edward John and Dalee Sambo Dorough, members of the Forum AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH

Conference Room Papers:
– Agenda Item 3 (a): Update on the implementation of the recommendations of the Permanent Forum by Oliver Loode, member of the Forum AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
– Agenda Item 3 (c) : Study on State Exploitation of Procedural Rules that Devalue the UN Declaration by Dalee Sambo Dorough and Edward John, members of the Forum AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
– Agenda Item 5: Mujeres indígenas en la construcción de la paz, en defensa de la tierra, territorios y la biodiversidad by Alianza de Mujeres Indígenas de Centro América y México AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH

Submitted by Governments: Information received from:

Questionnaire EN

Australia AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Bolivia AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Botswana AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Chile AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Colombia AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Denmark and Greenland AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Finland AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Honduras AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Mexico AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Norway AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Paraguay AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Peru AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH

Submitted by the UN System:

Asian Development Bank AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Food and Agriculture Organization AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
International Organization for Migration AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
- OIM AMERICA DEL SUR – Annex 1 AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
- OIM AMERICA DEL SUR – Annex 2 AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Office of the High Commissionner on Human Rights (OHCHR) AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Secretariat of the Convention on Biodiversity (SCBD) AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI) AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
UN Women AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH

Submitted by National Human Rights Institutions:

Argentina AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Australia AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Burundi AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Colombia AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Denmark AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Denmark (Draft Paper) AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Tanzania AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH

Submitted by Indigenous Peoples Organizations / Institutions and NGOs:

Asociación de Desarrollo Integral Maya Kiche AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Association des Tribus Cwa de Mweka (ATCM) AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Aube Nouvelle pour la Femme et le Developpement (ANFD) AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Autoridades Tradicionales Indígenas de Colombia AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Barents Euro Actic Region (WGIP) Norway AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Bureau of Consultation for West Papua Indigenous Community Development AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Comision Juridica para el Autodesarrollo de los Pueblos Originarios Andinos AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Conamaq Orgánico AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Congrès Mondial Amazigh (CMA) AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Consejo de Pueblos Originario Nahuat Pipil EL Salvador AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Corporación Cultural Ecológica Mujer Tejer y Saberes MUTESA Colombia AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Foro Yatama AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Grand Council of the Crees AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Intertribal Committee AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Kapaeeng Foundation AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Mikmaq Rights Initiative AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Municipalidad Indígena de Sololá del Departamento de Sololá Guatemala AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
National Indian Youth Council Inc AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
NSWALC Australia AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Regional Public Organization Tuba Kalyk Tubalars AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Sami Parliament of Finland AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Sami Parliament of Norway AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
Sociedad Maya El Adelanto AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
West Papua Interest Association AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH
West Papua National Authority AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH

Statements/Speakers' List

Request to Make an Oral Statement

Guidelines for Speakers

Speaker’s lists are open to all registered to attend the Permanent Forum as observers.
The online speakers’ list is open for Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations, Indigenous Members of Parliaments and Non-governmental organizations in ECOSOC status. Member States and United Nations bodies and specialized agencies wishing to inscribe on the list of speakers for a particular item should contact the secretariat (Mr. Martin Vrastiak (e-mail vrastiak@un.org; fax 1 (212) 963-5305).

At the beginning of each meeting, the Permanent Forum members will introduce the agenda item. They will also ask questions and make statements whenever they consider it to be appropriate. Time constraints are considerable given the great number of observers who ask for the floor. The Chairperson will explain the procedure to follow at the beginning of each plenary session regarding the list of speakers and will set time limits for interventions (3 to 5 minutes is the usual practice).

From 2016, there will be changes to the Speakers List arrangements during the plenary. The Programme of Work lists both Speaker’s Lists and Interactive Dialogues.

For Interactive Dialogues, speakers can inscribe to the speaker’s list at the beginning such session simply by pressing the microphone button on their desk, or where desks have been set aside for this purpose – especially for those who do not have access to a microphone button. You may be asked your name and organization by staff assisting the Chairperson.

For Speaker’s Lists, Indigenous Peoples Organisations, National Human Rights Institutions and Indigenous Members of Parliament must put their name on the speaker’s list. Speakers are only allowed to speak once under an agenda item.

The order of speakers is determined by the Chair of the Permanent Forum.

Once you have been confirmed on the speaker’s list, you need to provide 10 copies of your statement to translators (to be given to Conference Room Officer). You should also send your statement to papersmart1@un.org where it will be uploaded on the website after your presentation.

How to Participate - Online Pre-Registration

Please note: Overview of the Changes to take place during the 15^th Session

NOTE: Pre-registrations are now closed.

Side Events

Several side events took place at lunch time, during evenings and during closed meetings of the Permanent Forum at the UN premises and outside. They were organized by Indigenous Peoples Organizations, Member States, UN entities, and other intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, and others. For a complete list of Approved Side Events, please click here.

Map of UNHQ AREA

Other Meetings during the UNPFII Session

Cultural Event and Reception
Tuesday 10 May, 2016 6:15pm – 8:30pm – Visitors Lobby, UNHQ

Indigenous Exhibit and Sale
Wednesday, May 11, 2016 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Church Center for the UN, 2nd Floor, 777 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017

Consultations facilitated by the President of the General Assembly on Indigenous Peoples Participation in the United Nations
11 May 3-6 PM: First consultation meeting, Conference Room 4
18 May 10 AM – 1 PM: Second consultation meeting, Conference Room 4
For more information on the process, CLICK HERE.

Please note that the Advisers appointed by the President of the General Assembly to assist him in conducting consultations to enable the participation of indigenous peoples’ at the United Nations will be available for bilateral meetings with indigenous organizations or caucuses on 12, 16, and 17 May 2016. Those wishing to book a time slot for bilateral meeting are kindly invited to refer to the program attached HERE and contact Ms. Maria Martinho (email: martinho@un.org) and copy ipadvisers@un.org.

Dialogue of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on indigenous peoples’ rights and conservation activities
11 May 10 AM – 1 PM: Dialogue with indigenous peoples’ organisations and representatives. For more information, CLICK HERE.
11 May 3-6 PM: Dialogue with conservation organisations. For more information, CLICK HERE.
Both dialogue meetings take place at the Ford Foundation, 320 E 43rd St, New York, NY 10017

Please note the deadline for registration is 2 May

International Seminar on “Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Unreported Struggles: Conflict and Peace”
Saturday, May 14, 2016 – 8:30am to Sunday, May 15, 2016 – 5:00pm
14 May: Heyman Center Common Room in East Campus Residential Center AND 15 May: Jerome Greene Annex

Logistical Information

Logistical Information
Please click here for information regarding accommodation and transportation in New York City.

Travel and Visa Information
Arrangements for travel, including visa procedures, accommodation and transportation are the responsibility of NGOs and IPOs and other interested organizations. Representatives of participating organizations must deal directly with United States consulates in their countries of residence regarding visa issues. The United Nations will send a confirmation letter to NGO and IPO representatives once they have been pre-registered. This confirmation letter may be used by NGO and IPO representatives to request a visa from American authorities.

Funding
The only UN source of funding for travel to participate in the sessions of the Permanent Forum is the Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations, which is managed by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Please note that applications close in October of the year preceding the Permanent Forum’s Session. Please click here for more details.

Frequently asked questions

Our organization is interested in attending the next session of the Permanent Forum. Can we participate?
Participation in the sessions of the Permanent Forum is open to NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC, indigenous peoples’ organizations and academic institutions. All participants need to pre-register for the sessions of the Permanent Forum. The sessions of the Permanent Forum tend to take place in April or May each year. Online pre-registration tends to begin in January or February on the website of the Permanent Forum. Pre-registration closes about 2-4 weeks before the session starts.

Our organization attended the other sessions of the Forum. Do we still need to pre-register?
Yes. All accredited organizations interested in attending the next session of the Forum are invited to pre-register. In addition, all representatives of accredited organizations are requested to register at their arrival at the United Nations before attending the session.

My organization enjoys consultative status with ECOSOC, but we have not received an invitation to attend sessions of the Permanent forum. How can we pre-register?
All interested NGOs in consultative status should use the online pre-registration system to apply to attend the session.

Can representatives of NGOs and IPOs attend sessions of the Permanent Forum without pre-registration?
We do not encourage attendance of sessions of the Permanent Forum without pre-registration. All participants, including those from organizations enjoying consultative status with ECOSOC and holding annual ground-passes, are strongly encouraged to pre-register and register at the site of sessions of the Permanent Forum. The United Nations Secretariat will not be in a position to register participants who did not pre-register before the opening of the session.

Can my organization make a statement at the Permanent Forum session?
During previous sessions the Permanent Forum, representatives of NGOs and indigenous peoples organizations have made presentations. Most of the organizations that have addressed the Forum do not enjoy consultative status. In other words, all participants registered to attend the session may make oral presentations, depending on availability of time.

Will the United Nations help me with my visa to New York?
Arrangements for travel, including visa procedures, accommodation and transportation are the responsibility of NGOs and IPOs and other interested organizations. Representatives of participating organizations need to deal directly with United States embassies/consulates in their countries of residence regarding visa issues. The United Nations will send a confirmation letter to NGO and IPO representatives once they have been pre-registered. This confirmation letter may be used by NGO and IPO representatives to request a visa from United States authorities. If necessary, the Division for Social Policy and Development will assist in providing information regarding the status of NGOs and IPOs at the request of American authorities. However, the United Nations does not send unsolicited correspondence to United States embassies/consulates to validate a request made by an NGO or IPO representative to obtain a visa.

Does the United Nations provide funding for NGOs to attend the Forum?
The only UN source of funding for travel to participate in the sessions of the Permanent Forum is the Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations. Please note that applications close in October of the year preceding the Permanent Forum’s Session.

Can my organization make a statement at the Permanent Forum session?
During previous sessions the Permanent Forum, representatives of NGOs and organizations of indigenous populations have made presentations. Most of the organizations that addressed the Forum do not enjoy consultative status. In other words, all participants registered to attend the session may make oral presentations, depending on availability of time.

Can I submit a written statement or report to the Permanent Forum?
Indigenous organizations and NGOs have occasionally submitted reports to the Permanent Forum in the past. If your organization is interested in doing so, then you are advised to contact the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum and discuss the possibility of submitting such a report. The deadline for these reports/statements is 31 January of each year.

For further information about submitting reports, see the below excerpt form ECOSOC resolution 1996/31.

36. Written statements relevant to the work of the commissions or other subsidiary organs may be submitted by organizations in general consultative status and special consultative status on subjects for which these organizations have a special competence. Such statements shall be circulated by the Secretary-General to members of the commission or other subsidiary organs, except those statements that have become obsolete, for example, those dealing with matters already disposed of and those that have already been circulated in some other form to members of the commission or other subsidiary organs.

37. The following conditions shall be observed regarding the submission and circulation of such written statements:
(a) The written statement shall be submitted in one of the official languages;
(b) It shall be submitted in sufficient time for appropriate consultation to take place between the Secretary-General and the organization before circulation;
(c) The organization shall give due consideration to any comments that the Secretary-General may make in the course of such consultation before transmitting the statement in final form;
(d) A written statement submitted by an organization in general consultative status will be circulated in full if it does not exceed 2,000 words. Where a statement is in excess of 2,000 words, the organization shall submit a summary, which will be circulated, or shall supply sufficient copies of the full text in the working languages for distribution. A statement will also be circulated in full, however, upon the specific request of the commission or other subsidiary organs;
(e) A written statement submitted by an organization in special consultative status will be circulated in full if it does not exceed 1,500 words. Where a statement is in excess of 1,500 words, the organization shall submit a summary, which will be circulated, or shall supply sufficient copies of the full text in the working languages for distribution. A statement will also be circulated in full, however, upon the specific request of the commission or other subsidiary organs;
(f) The Secretary-General, in consultation with the chairman of the relevant commission or other subsidiary organ, or the commission or other subsidiary organ itself, may invite organizations on the Roster to submit written statements. The provisions in subparagraphs (a), (b), (c) and (e) above shall apply to such statements;
(g) A written statement or summary, as the case may be, will be circulated by the Secretary-General in the working languages and, upon the request of a member of the commission or other subsidiary organ, in any of the official languages.

Media and Outreach Materials

Press Releases

Press Release 5 May 2016: Indigenous Peoples to Seek Measures for Preventing Conflict, Securing Peace, at Annual Forum, 9-20 May. Download here.
Read the press release at the UN Press Release site here.
Press Release 20 May 2016: Read Here

Fact Sheets/ backgrounders:

Digital Cards

For digital cards in French and Spanish, Click Here.

For all graphic and social media materials related to the 15th Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, visit our trello board here: http://bit.ly/1W8YMB5

Social Media Hashtags: #WeAreIndigenous, #UNPFII15 and #GlobalGoals
Social Media selfie-station: Outside Conference Room 4, there was a Selfie-station with a banner for participants to upload their pictures and use the above hashtags.
On 18 May 1-3 PM at the Vienna Cafe, there was a social media event on the Sustainable Development Goals where participants joined us to tell the world which goals matter most for indigenous peoples.

Four press conferences have been organised by the United Nations Department of Public Information in room S-237 during the UNPFII Session

Mon 9 May, 1.15-2 PM: Opening of 15th PFII Session: Indigenous Peoples: Conflict, Peace and Security – Media Advisory – Press Conference on UN WebTV
Thu 12 May, 1.15-2 PM: Mon 16 May 1.15-2 PM: Indigenous Youth – Media Advisory – Press Conference on UN WebTV
Tue 17 May, 11.15-12 PM: Access to justice — Indigenous Women in Conflict and Peace – Media Advisory – Press Conference on UN WebTV
Thu 19 May, 11.15-12 PM: Recommendations of the 15th session of the Permanent Forum and the road ahead – Media Advisory – Press Conference on UN WebTV

Media Coverage of the 15th Session

UN News Centre: Short videos with participants from the 15th Session, answering the question “What does it mean to you and your community to be here at the forum?”
UN News Centre (20 May): Ban urges UN system to bolster support for indigenous peoples, as annual forum concludes
UN News Centre (19 May): Ahead of end of UN forum, participation of indigenous people in development targets urged
UN News Centre (13 May): Sámi rapper SlinCraze encourages indigenous youth to celebrate culture
UN News Centre (9 May): UN Forum on indigenous issues opens 2016 session with focus on conflict, peace and resolution

For further media coverage, hear radio portrays of the participants at UN Radio in multiple languages or contact us below for a full list of media coverage

Meeting Coverage of the 15th Session:

9 May 2016 – HR/5297 – Indigenous Peoples Must Be Equal Participants in Peace Plans, Conflict Resolution, Chairs Says as Permanent Forum Opens
10 May 2016 – HR/5299 – Continuing Session, Speakers in Permanent Forum Call upon Governments to Repeal Oppressive Laws, Practices that Encroach on Rights of Indigenous Peoples
11 May 2016 – HR/5300 – Discriminatory Pressures Confronted by Indigenous Youth, Traditional Land Rights of Peoples, among Issues Highlighted as Permanent Forum Continues Session
12 May 2016 – HR/5301 – Devastating Environmental Impacts of Activities on Ancestral Lands Underlined by Speakers, as Indigenous Forum Continues Debate
13 May 2016 – HR/5302 – Representatives of Indigenous Peoples Call for Greater Participation in United Nations Bodies, as Permanent Forum Concludes Week One
16 May 2016 – HR/5303 – United Nations Mechanisms Handling Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Must Better Identify Strengths of Mandates to Increase Effectiveness, Speakers Say in Permanent Forum
17 May 2016 – HR/5304 – As Permanent Forum Continues, Speakers Highlight Need for Indigenous Peoples to Be Fully Involved in Resolving Conflicts over Land, Natural Resources
18 May 2016 – HR/5305 – Speakers in Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Stress Need to Ensure Implementation of Its Recommendations or Risk Losing Credibility
19 May 2016 – HR/5306 – Land Rights, Critical Need to Preserve Indigenous Languages Stressed by Speakers, as Permanent Forum Continues Debate
20 May 2016 – HR/5308 – Concluding Fifteenth Session, Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Sends 3 Draft Decisions for Consideration by Economic and Social Council
20 May 2016 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: Closing remarks to UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, UN Headquarters

For media queries, including interviews, please contact Martina Donlon, tel: +1 212-963-6816 or email: donlon@un.org – United Nations Department of Public Information

To contact the Secretariat of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, please contact indigenous_un@un.org – UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Media Accreditation

Journalists without UN credentials who wish to attend the UNPFII sessions should fax a request to the Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit at +1.(212).963.4642 accompanied by a letter of assignment on official letterhead from a bone fide media organization, signed by publisher, assignment editor or bureau chief, saying that the journalist is assigned to cover the UNPFII session. The journalist should follow up with a call to the Media Accreditation Unit at +1.212.963-6937 or 963.6934 to confirm that they have received the fax and credentials will be issued.

Individuals with NGO accreditation will not be issued press credentials. Letters of assignments from NGOs will not be accepted for press credentials.

Media contacts:

For media queries including interviews with United Nations officials and indigenous representatives, please contact Ms. Francesca Lorusso-Caputi, tel: +1 212-963-3979 or email:lorusso-caputi@un.org – United Nations Department of Public Information
For Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, indigenous_un@un.org – UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Guidelines for the use of visual recording equipment at the sessions of UNPFII
Visit the UN Media accreditation page for more information