The 2010 Call for applications for the Trust Fund on Indigenous Issues relating to the Second International Decade of the World's Indigenous People is closed.

The United Nations Development Group Guidelines on Indigenous Peoples´ Issues are now available in English, Spanish, and French.

The International United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Expert Group Meeting Indigenous Peoples: Development with Culture and identity: Articles 3 and 32 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples will be held at UN Headquarters in New York, on 12-14 January 2010.

The International United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Expert Group Meeting Indigenous Peoples: Development with Culture and identity: Articles 3 and 32 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples will be held at UN Headquarters in New York, on 12-14 January 2010.

The aim of the meeting is to:
To analyze enshrined human rights within international standards and policies and how these contribute to indigenous peoples’ concept of development with culture and identity;
Promote an opportunity to exchange information and analysis on the various concepts of development;
Draw attention to the various development concepts and practices and their impact on indigenous peoples’ livelihoods, communities, cultural practices and lands and natural resources;
Identify options and further plans to build the necessary conditions for development such as empowering and strengthening indigenous peoples’ organizations and governance systems;
To analyze opportunities for partnerships with indigenous peoples on development issues and how such arrangements might be informed by good practices and Corporate responsibility models;
Highlight both positive and negative development practice models from indigenous peoples’ perspectives;
Identify gaps and challenges and a possible way forward.
The Meeting will be attended by Permanent Forum members, indigenous experts, States and representatives from UN Agencies and Funds. Representatives of indigenous peoples organizations are all welcome to attend.
For further information contact Ms Sonia Smallacombe on smallacombe@un.org

Click here to view the Documents of the Meeting.

On October 19th 2009, Indigenous issues was discussed in the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly.

On October 19th 2009, Indigenous issues was discussed in the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Mr. Sha Zukang addressed the Third Committee under agenda item 68. Click here to view his statement.

The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, Mr. James Anaya submitted his report to the General Assembly.
Click here to view his report.

Statements made by:

Peru, Nepal, Canada, Congo, Cuba, Guatemala, Holy See, Japan, Malaysia, Samoa, Bolivian, Australia, European Union, CARICOM, Inter Parliamentary Union, ILO, UNIFEM

The final element of the Report on the Eighth Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is now ready and available online in all six official UN languages.

The final element of the Report on the Eighth Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is now ready and available online in all six official UN languages.

The document contains analysis and recommendations based on a comprehensive dialogue with six United Nations system entities. The six entities are OHCHR, IFAD, FAO, UNDP, UNFPA and UN-DESA.

Click here to view the English version.

The Executive Board of the International Fund for Agricutlural Development has adopted the IFAD Policy on Engagement with Indigenous Peoples.

The Executive Board of the International Fund for Agricutlural Development has adopted the IFAD Policy on Engagement with Indigenous Peoples.

Click here to view the policy, which is available in English, Spanish and French.

The evaluation is a stocktaking exercise, so as to identify progress made and areas on which the UN agencies and other intergovernmental organizations, Member States, indigenous peoples' organizations...

The evaluation is a stocktaking exercise, so as to identify progress made and areas on which the UN agencies and other intergovernmental organizations, Member States, indigenous peoples’ organizations and civil society organizations need to invest more effort, so as to further the successful implementation of the Decade’s goal and objectives. In order to obtain a balanced and well documented evaluation of the progress made in the implementation of the Second Decade.

Click here for further information.

The call for Nominations for CSO Representatives to the UN-REDD Programme is now open. Civil Society Organizations are invited to submit nominations for representatives to serve on the UN-REDD Programme Policy Board. The call for nominations closes on 11 September 2009. Voting for CSO nominees will take place from 14 - 28 September 2009.

On the basis of an invitation from the Governments of Paraguay and Bolivia, the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues undertook a mission to the Chaco regions of Paraguay and Bolivia in April and May 2009.

On the basis of an invitation from the Governments of Paraguay and Bolivia, the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues undertook a mission to the Chaco regions of Paraguay and Bolivia in April and May 2009. The purpose of the mission, which was supported at the expert level by staff participation from FAO, ILO, OHCHR, UNDESA and UNDP, was to address the situation of indigenous peoples of the Chaco region who are living in situations of forced labor. The mission, which was the first of its kind for the Permanent Forum, also sought to encourage effective cooperation at the country-level among all actors, including the Governments, UN agencies and indigenous organizations and peoples, to lead to the speedy elimination of forced labor practices.

On Thursday, May 28, 2009, in a plenary session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issue attended by indigenous participants from around the world, States, UN agencies, NGOs and other civil society organizations, participating Permanent Forum members orally presented the recommendations of the mission. On the basis of the presentation, the Permanent Forum issued the following recommendation:

The Permanent Forum notes the mission to Bolivia and Paraguay and thanks the Governments of both countries for their invitations. This mission came about following the Forum’s recommendation regarding the situation of forced labour of Guarani communities at its seventh session. The Permanent Forum welcomes the mission as a good practice and decides to publish the reports of the mission as official documents. The Forum urges United Nations country teams to follow up the recommendations of these reports and suggests to the relevant Governments that they report on the implementation of these recommendations at the ninth session of the Forum in 2010. (E/C.19/2009/14, para. 94).

Full mission reports, including the findings of the mission, were released on 31 August.

Paraguay Mission Report: (English)   (Spanish)

Bolivia Mission Report:  (English)       (Spanish)

The International Day of the World's Indigenous People will be observed at the United Nations Headquarters in Conference Room 4, on Monday 10 August from 2 pm to 5 pm. It is organized by the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in cooperation with the NGO Committee on the International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples. The theme of the observance at UN Headquarters will be indigenous peoples and HIV/AIDS.

The International Day of the World's Indigenous People will be observed at the United Nations Headquarters in Conference Room 4, on Monday 10 August from 2 pm to 5 pm. It is organized by the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in cooperation with the NGO Committee on the International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples. The theme of the observance at UN Headquarters will be indigenous peoples and HIV/AIDS.

Those who wish to attend the observance should register by Thursday 6 August, by sending an email with full name at: indigenous_un@un.org.

Please note that those who have not registered will not get a day pass, and will thus not be able to attend.

Holders of valid UN grounds passes do not need to register.

The event will begin at 2 pm. Participants must enter the UN grounds through the Visitor’s Entrance on 1st. Avenue facing 45th Street. After going through the entrance, participants should go directly to the table where SPFII staff will hand out day passes to those who have registered. Day passes will be available at the table from 1 pm until 2:15 pm. It is essential that participants bring photo ID when picking up their day passes.

The agenda for the day’s events is not yet complete, but events will include messages from the United Nations Secretary General, the Under-Secretary General for Economic and Social Affairs and the Chairperson of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, performances by indigenous artists, and a panel discussion related HIV/AIDS.

Click here for more information on the day, including the agenda.

The 2010 Call for applications for the Trust Fund on Indigenous Issues relating to the Second International Decade of the World's Indigenous People has opened. The Secretariat will receive project proposals during the period 1 August 2009 to 1 November 2009. Proposals will not be accepted after 1 November, 2009.

The 2010 Call for applications for the Trust Fund on Indigenous Issues relating to the Second International Decade of the World's Indigenous People has opened. The Secretariat will receive project proposals during the period 1 August 2009 to 1 November 2009. Proposals will not be accepted after 1 November, 2009.

Click here for more information.

A vacancy announcement has been issued for a position at the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The deadline for submissions is 21 September 2009.

A vacancy announcement has been issued for a P-4 position at the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at UN Headquarters in New York City. The deadline for submissions is 21 September 2009.

The vacancy announcement number is: 09-SOC-DESA-421576-R-NEW YORK (G)

Click here for a detailed description of responsibilities, requirements and instructions on how to apply.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions regarding the application process at the United Nations.

Please note that applications SHOULD NOT be sent to the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Applicants should follow the "How to apply" instructions on the vacancy announcement page.

The current membership of the Permanent Forum is due to expire at the end of 2010. Nominations are now requested for the three-year period from January 2011 until December 2013. Current members who have served the maximum of two terms (6 years) as Permanent Forums members cannot be nominated for a further term.

The current membership of the Permanent Forum is due to expire at the end of 2010. Nominations are now requested for the three-year period from January 2011 until December 2013. Current members who have served the maximum of two terms (6 years) as Permanent Forums members cannot be nominated for a further term.

It has been the understanding of the indigenous caucus that the eight (8) indigenous nominated members should be from the seven socio-cultural regions determined to give broad representation to the world’s indigenous peoples. The regions are: Africa; Asia; Central and South America and the Caribbean; the Arctic; Eastern Europe, Russian Federation, Central Asia and Transcaucasia; North America; and the Pacific.

It was also the understanding that the 8th member would be nominated from one of the three largest indigenous populated regions (Latin America, Asia and Africa) which would be rotated every three years. Latin America will have an extra member for the next term (2011 – 2013).

It is encouraged that consultations amongst indigenous organizations commence as soon as possible to ensure that the President of the Economic and Social Council has suitable candidates for consideration and appointment. 
                                                                            
In considering possible candidates account shoud be taken of the principles of geographic distribution, and gender balance. Furthermore and in order for nominations to be complete, it is important to provide recent curriculum vitae of the nominees for consideration by the President of the Economic and Social Council. Information about the nominating organization(s) should also be submitted.

All correspondence should be sent to the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Room DC2-1454, New York, NY 10017, United States of America OR email to: indigenous_un@un.org

The deadline for submission of nominations is 1 February 2010

The final report on the eighth session is available in all languages.

The final report on the eighth session is available in all languages.

[AR | EN | ES | FR | RU | ZH]

The United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women wishes to draw your attention to information about the communications procedure of the Commission on the Status of Women and to alert you to the 14 August 2009 deadline for submissions.

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Chair of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues issued a statement on June 5, 2009 regarding the current situation in Peru.

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Chair of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues issued a statement on June 5, 2009 regarding the current situation in Peru.

Full letter

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Chair of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues issued a statement on June 2, 2009 regarding the current situation in Peru.

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Chair of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues issued a statement on June 2, 2009 regarding the current situation in Peru.

Click here to view the full statement.

The Desk Review of Human Development Reports organized by SPFII on the following countries: Cambodia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda and the HDR on the Asia-Pacific Region, is now available.

On 22 April 2009, the U.N. General Assembly adopted a unanimous resolution designating April 22 each year as International Mother Earth Day.

UNESCO, 2009, Learning and Knowing in Indigenous Societies Today. Edited by P. Bates, M. Chiba, S. Kube & D. Nakashima, UNESCO: Paris , 128 pp.

UNESCO, 2009, Learning and Knowing in Indigenous Societies Today. Edited by P. Bates, M. Chiba, S. Kube & D. Nakashima, UNESCO: Paris , 128 pp.

Click here to download the full publication.

The loss of their specialized knowledge of nature is a grave concern for many indigenous communities throughout the world. Education, as it is understood in a Western context, occupies a pivotal role in this process, highlighted by many as both a major cause of the decline of indigenous knowledge, and also as a potential remedy for its demise. Commendable efforts are being made to better align educational curricula with indigenous realities and to incorporate local knowledge and language content into school curricula, but the interrelationship and balance between these two different ways of learning remain delicate. These issues, and attempts to address them, are explored within the UNESCO publication Learning and Knowing in Indigenous Societies Today , which was launched in April 2009 in Bonn , Germany , on the occasion of the 'UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development - Moving into the Second Half of the UN Decade'.

To order a copy, email “links@unesco.org"

Wednesday, 22 April 2009 - UNHQ New York

Wednesday, 22 April 2009
United Nations Headquarters, New York
Conference Room 4
2.30pm -5.30pm
Participants are kindly invited to be seated by 2.15pm.

Organized by the UN-DESA Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues of the Division for Social Policy and Development

In cooperation with the Office of the President of the General Assembly, the UN-DESA Division for Sustainable Development and the Secretariat of the United Nations Forum on Forests, the United Nations Environment Programme as well as the United Confederation of Taino Peoples, the Tribal Link Foundation, Franciscans International, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the Sunray Meditation Society, the Temple of Understanding, VIVAT and Passionists International.

Click here to download the programme

Speeches:

The President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann

The President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, H.E. Mr. Evo Morales Ayma (in Spanish)

Mr. Leonardo Boff, Emeritus Professor of Ethics, Philosophy of Religion and Ecology at the Rio de Janeiro State University (in Spanish)

Ms. Juanita Castano, Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, New York Liaison Office

Ms. Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians

Ms. Thanh Xuan Nguyen, Executive Director of Women's Environment and Development Organization 

A poem has been offered for the Mother Earth Day Commemoration - click here to view the poem

A lecture in the series on Indigenous Peoples' Issues: International Perspectives & Global Challenges, presented in co-sponsorship with the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The lecture will be followed by conversations with the audience.

A lecture in the series on Indigenous Peoples' Issues: International Perspectives & Global Challenges, presented in co-sponsorship with the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The lecture will be followed by conversations with the audience.

Speakers:

• Sonia Smallacombe

A member of the Maramanindji people from the north of Australia, Ms. Smallacombe currently works as a Social Affairs Officer with the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and is based in New York. Her main area of work is around indigenous issues and the Environment.

• Dr. Rama Rao

Dr. Rama Rao is the Officer-in-Charge of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Coordination Office in New York. He has been WIPO's representative to the United Nations since 1998 and undertakes outreach functions. Previously, Dr. Rao worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of india for nearly twenty five years and became its Chief Legal Adviser.

Monday, 13 April
4:00 to 5:30 pm

Deutsches Haus
Columbia University
420 West 116th Street
1/2 block East of Amsterdam Ave

Click here to download the flyer

A special edition of the SPFII Newsletter, the Message Stick is out.

A special edition of the SPFII Newsletter, the Message Stick is out.

On 3 April 2009, Australia endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

On 3 April 2009, Australia endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The three UN mechanisms related to indigenous peoples' issues have published this statement.

Click here to view the Australian Government's official statement.

Click here to read the statement of Mr. Michael Dodson, Rapporteur of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Please note that the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues has a new email address: indigenous_un@un.org

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in collaboration with the UNEP National Committee for the Republic of Korea will be organizing its Tunza International Youth Conference on the Environment, from 21 to 26 August 2009.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in collaboration  with the UNEP National Committee for the Republic of Korea will be organizing its Tunza International  Youth  Conference on the Environment, from  21 to 26 August 2009.  
It will bring together 200 youth, to learn about the environment  through plenary sessions, workshops and field trips. The Conference will be in three segments, Global townhall meeting on 21 August 2009, Regional Meetings from 22 to 23 August
2009  and Conference from 24 to 26 August 2009. The daily themes include, Climate change: Limiting the FootPrint, Youth and Green Jobs, Disasters and Conflicts and their Impact on the Environment and Sustainable Lifestyles.      

For more information on the Conference, and to submit a nomination from your organization please visit UNEP website.  

Nominations must be submitted to UNEP on or before 31 March 2009  

For further information on the conference, please contact:   

The Children and Youth / Sport and the Environment Unit  
Division of Communications and Public Information  
Email: children.youth@unep.org
Fax: +254 -20-762 3927

Expressions of interest for the inaugural fellowship need to be sent to the WIPO Secretariat by March 27, 2009.

Among other requirements, applicants need to be citizens of one of the countries in the Latin American and Caribbean region.

Among other requirements, applicants need to be citizens of one of the countries in the Latin American and Caribbean region.  Deadline is March 19.

For further information (only in Spanish) and applications, please contact: admin@escuelapnud.org or click here

The latest version of the SPFII Newsletter, the Message Stick is out.

The latest version of the SPFII Newsletter, the Message Stick is out.

Click here to read the Message Stick and to see older issues.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) organises every year an Indigenous Fellowship Programme, which is an extensive training programme aimed at strengthening indigenous representatives'knowledge of the United Nations system...

At its Fiftieth Session, the Committee on the Rights of the Child adopted General Comment No. 11 entitled "Indigenous children and their rights under the Convention".

At its Fiftieth Session, the Committee on the Rights of the Child adopted General Comment No. 11 entitled "Indigenous children and their rights under the Convention".

Click here to view the full document.

A lecture in the series on Indigenous Peoples' Issues: International Perspectives & Global Challenges, presented in co-sponsorship with the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The lecture will be followed by conversations with the audience.

A lecture in the series on Indigenous Peoples' Issues: International Perspectives & Global Challenges, presented in co-sponsorship with the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The lecture will be followed by conversations with the audience.

Speaker: Bartolomé Clavero

Chair of Legal History and Professor of Rights at the University of Seville

Wednesday, 21 January
4:00 to 5:30 pm

Deutsches Haus
Columbia University
420 West 116th Street
1/2 block East of Amsterdam Ave

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Chairperson of the Permanent Forum made a statement on 10 December, 2008 which critiques the final version of a document (FCCC/SBSTA/2008/L.23) on Reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries (REDD).

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Chairperson of the Permanent Forum made a statement on 10 December, 2008 which critiques the final version of a document (FCCC/SBSTA/2008/L.23) on Reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries (REDD).

Click here to read the statement in full.

Victoria Tauli-Coropuz, chairperson of the Permanent Forum participated in the 14th. Conference of Parties (COP14) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Poznan, Poland 1-12 December 2008.

Victoria Tauli-Coropuz, chairperson of the Permanent Forum participated in the 14th. Conference of Parties (COP14) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Poznan, Poland 1-12 December 2008.

Speaking under Agenda Item 2, Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD): approaches to stimulate action, Ms. Tauli-Corpuz put forward the views of the Permanent Forum, which were developed at the Seventh Session of the Permanent Forum.

Click here to read her statement in full.

The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) is inviting civil society organizations to apply for funding for projects to promote democracy.

The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) is inviting civil society organizations to apply for funding for projects to promote democracy.

Applications may be submitted on-line only, in English or French, between 10 November to 31 December 2008.  

This is the third round of funding to be launched by UNDEF, which was established by the UN Secretary-General in 2005 as a United Nations General Trust Fund. UNDEF funds projects that build and strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, and ensure the participation of all groups in democratic processes.

On 11 November, the Third Committee of the General Assembly adopted draft Resolution A/C.3/63/L.17/Rev.1 on indigenous issues, which contains three operative paragraphs.

This Expert Group Meeting is being organized following a recommendation of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, approved by ECOSOC decision 2008/249, which authorized a three-day international expert group meeting on the implementation of Article 42 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and requested that...

This Expert Group Meeting is being organized following a recommendation of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, approved by ECOSOC decision 2008/249, which authorized a three-day international expert group meeting on the implementation of Article 42 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and requested that the results of the meeting be reported to the Permanent Forum at its eighth session. The workshop will discuss the way in which the UNPFII should address its mandate under Article 42 of the Declaration.

The EGM will be attended by indigenous experts and UNPFII members as well as interested Member States, UN Agencies and Indigenous Peoples' Organizations.

The Secretariat has received an unprecedented number of requests from indigenous peoples’ organizations to attend this meeting, which takes place in a room with limited capacity. Invitations have been extended to indigenous peoples’ organizations on a first come, first serve basis and the list of participating observers is now full. For this reason, the Secretariat is unable to issue further invitations or to admit organizations that do not have invitations. 

The 2008 Environmental and Social Policy of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development enters into force on 12 November 2008. The policy contains specific requirements for projects funded by the bank, relating to environmental and social issues, including indigenous peoples. These requirements include the principle of free, prior and informed consent and the need to recognize and respect customary laws.

The 2008 Environmental and Social Policy of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development enters into force on 12 November 2008. The policy contains specific requirements for projects funded by the bank, relating to environmental and social issues, including indigenous peoples. These requirements include the principle of free, prior and informed consent and the need to recognize and respect customary laws.

Click here to view the Policy in a number of European languages.

The deadline for submitting grant proposals for the Second Decade Trust Fund is 1 November.

The deadline for submitting grant proposals for the Second Decade Trust Fund is 1 November.

Click here to read more about the Trust Fund and how to submit grant proposals.

A lecture in the series on Indigenous Peoples' Issues: International Perspectives & Global Challenges, presented in co-sponsorship with the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The lecture will be followed by conversations with the audience.

A lecture in the series on Indigenous Peoples' Issues: International Perspectives & Global Challenges, presented in co-sponsorship with the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The lecture will be followed by conversations with the audience.

Speaker: Victoria Tauli-Corpuz

Chairperson of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, President of the Tebtebba Foundation, Igorot Nation (Philippines).

Thursday, October 30
4:00 to 5:15 pm

Deutsches Haus
Columbia University
420 West 116th Street
1/2 block East of Amsterdam Ave

Click here to download the flyer

On Monday 20 October, the Third Committee of the GA will discuss indigenous issues and the Second Decade of the World´s Indigenous People.

To read the statement of Fr. Miguel d´Escoto, President of the General Assembly of the UN, 63rd session, please visit the link below.

The Chairperson of the Permanent Forum, Victoria Tauli Corpuz, has issued a statement on the recent wave of violence aimed at indigenous people in Bolivia.

The Chairperson of the Permanent Forum, Victoria Tauli Corpuz, has issued a statement on the recent wave of violence aimed at indigenous people in Bolivia.

Click here to read the statement.

13 September marks the first anniversary of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 after more than two decades of negotiations between indigenous peoples and states.

13 September marks the first anniversary of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 after more than two decades of negotiations between indigenous peoples and states.

The anniversary is a cause for celebration and to congratulate our indigenous brothers and sisters throughout the world, many of whom worked tirelessly to make the Declaration a reality. The Declaration is a visionary step towards addressing the human rights of indigenous peoples, setting a framework on which states can build or re-build their relationships with indigenous peoples.  

This first anniversary is also an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and to look forward to continuing challenges. Foremost of these challenges is the promotion of the Declaration and the implementation of its provisions. It is crucial that we now devote our concerted efforts to supporting the implementation of the Declaration’s principles at the country level.

The latest version of the Newsletter of the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum is out.

The Center for the Study of Human Rights at Columbia University in New York is organizing a lecture series on Indigenous Peoples' Issues: International Perspectives & Global Challenges in co-sponsorship with the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

The Center for the Study of Human Rights at Columbia University in New York is organizing a lecture series on Indigenous Peoples' Issues: International Perspectives & Global Challenges in co-sponsorship with the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

The first lecture will be at Deutsches Haus, 420 West 116th Street on Thursday 25 September from 16:00 to 17:30, entitled Indigenous Peoples: A Global Historical Overview

Speakers: Elsa Stamatopoulou, Chief of the Secretariat of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Tonya Gonella Frichner, Onondaga Nations (USA), President, American Indian Law Alliance & Vice-Chairperson, UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

The lectures will be followed by a conversation with the audience.

SPFII, in cooperation with ILO, UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA and SCBD has published the Resource Kit on Indigenous Peoples Issues. The Kit is aimed UN Country Teams (UNCTs), and other development agents, providing them with guidance as to how to engage indigenous peoples and include their perspectives in development processes.

SPFII, in cooperation with ILO, UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA and SCBD has published the Resource Kit on Indigenous Peoples Issues. The Kit is aimed UN Country Teams (UNCTs), and other development agents, providing them with guidance as to how to engage indigenous peoples and include their perspectives in development processes.

Based on a Danida toolkit , the resource kit provides information on indigenous issues through practical examples and how to engage indigenous peoples effectively in development processes, including CCA/UNDAF, MDG monitoring, PRSP and others. It should also help UNCTs implement the UNDG guidelines and the recommendations of the Permanent Forum in addition to serving as a tool that enhances and strengthens the role of UNCTs in integrating indigenous issues to the UN system’s work at the country level.

Finally, the Resource Kit includes a thorough, if not exhaustive overview of international agreements and legal frameworks that deal directly or indirectly with indigenous issues as well as international mechanisms that specifically target indigenous peoples.

Click here to view a pdf version of the Resource Kit.

The Expert Group Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples will hold its first session from 1 to 3 October 2008 at the United Nations Office in Geneva. Registration is now open online.

The Expert Group Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples will hold its first session from 1 to 3 October 2008 at the United Nations Office in Geneva. Registration is now open online. For further information, see the accreditation page on the OHCHR website.

The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has been established by the Human Rights Council, as a successor body of the Working Group on Indigenous Populations which was under the now defunct Human Rights Commission. It is a subsidiary expert mechanism of the Human Rights Council established to assist the Council in providing thematic expertise on the rights of indigenous peoples, focusing mainly on studies and research-based advice. The Expert Mechanism may also suggest proposals to the Council for its consideration and approval.

The Human Rights Council has appointed five experts, who will serve for a three-year period and may be re-elected for one additional period. For its first session it will meet for three days and thereafter for up to five days, and these sessions may be a combination of open and private meetings.

The five experts appointed by the President of the Human Rights council for the period 2008-2010 are:

Mr. John Bernhard Henriksen        (Norway)
Ms. Catherine Odimba Kombe        (Congo)
Ms. Jannie Lasimbang            (Malaysia)
Mr. José Mencio Mlintas              (Philippines)
Mr. José Carlos Morales             (Costa Rica)

For more information, go to the Expert Group Mechanism page on the OHCHR website.

On Thursday 24 July the Economic and Social Council adopted all three draft decisions contained in the Report on the Seventh Session of the Permanent Forum, authorizing a three day international expert group meeting, deciding that the eighth session of the Forum shall be held at UN Headquarters from 18 to 29 May 2009, and approving the provisional agenda.

On Thursday 24 July the Economic and Social Council adopted all three draft decisions contained in the Report on the Seventh Session of the Permanent Forum, authorizing a three day international expert group meeting, deciding that the eighth session of the Forum shall be held at UN Headquarters from 18 to 29 May 2009, and approving the provisional agenda.

All three draft decisions are contained in the Report on the Seventh Session of the Permanent Forum in document E/2008/43. Please note that final ECOSOC decision numbers will be provided at a later date.

In the elections that occurred in ECOSOC on 16 July for the replacement of the Ms Xiaomei Qin from the Asia/Pacific region after the end of this year, the result was: Mr Eugenio A. Insigne (Philippines) 22 votes Ambassador Berenado Vunibobo (Fiji) 18 votes Thus, Mr. Eugenio A. Insigne from the Philippines, will become a member of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues as of 1 January 2009.

2009 applications forms for the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations are available.

2009 applications forms for the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations are available here.

The fund provides financial assistance to indigenous delegates wishing to attend the 2nd session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the 8th session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Please be kindly reminded that the deadline for applying is 1st October 2008.
If you need more information, please click here.

The International Day of the World´s Indigenous People will be observed at United Nations Headquarters on Friday 8 August in the Dag Hammarskjöld Auditorium, from 10:00 to 13:00.

The International Day of the World´s Indigenous People will be observed at United Nations Headquarters on Friday 8 August in the Dag Hammarskjöld Auditorium, from 10:00 to 13:00. It is organized by the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in cooperation with the NGO Committee on the International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples and the New York office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Those who wish to attend the observance are required to register by 30 July. Seats are limited and will be made available at a first come, first serve basis. Those who wish to attend the program are encouraged to register as soon as possible.


Please note that those who have not registered by 30 July will not be able to attend.

Those who have valid UN grounds passes do not need to register.

The event will begin at 10:00 in the DHL Auditorium. Participants must enter the UN grounds through the Visitor´s Entrance on 1st. Avenue facing 45th. Street. After going through the entrance, participants should go directly to the table where volunteers will hand out day passes to those who have registered. Day passes will be available at the table from 9:00 until 10:15. It is essential that participants bring photo ID when picking up their day passes.

The agenda for the day´s events is not yet complete, but events will include messages from the United Nations Secretary General, the Under-Secretary General for Economic and Social Affiars and the Chariperson of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, performances by indigenous artists, and a panel discussion related to conciliation and reconciliation efforts between indigenous peoples and governments.

The Panel Discussion is also a part of the New Human Rights Dialogue Series, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Please keep checking our International Day page for updates on the International Day's programme.

The 61st Annual Conference for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI), will be held in Paris at UNESCO Headquarters from Wednesday, 3 September to Friday, 5 September 2008.

The 61st Annual Conference for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI), will be held in Paris at UNESCO Headquarters from Wednesday, 3 September to Friday, 5 September 2008.

To mark the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this year’s Conference is entitled “Reaffirming Human Rights for All: The Universal Declaration at 60”.

Please click here to find information and register.

The final report on the seventh session is available in all languages.

On Wednesday 26 March, the Human Rights Council adopted, during its 7th session, and without a vote, the list of candidates for special procedures mandate holders proposed by the President of the Council.

The Human Rights Council has decided in Resolution 6/36 to establish a subsidiary mechanism to provide thematic expertise on the rights of indigenous peoples. The mechanism will be composed of 5 independent experts and all positions are vacant. Deadline for nominations is 11 April 2008.

The Human Rights Council has decided in Resolution 6/36 to establish a subsidiary mechanism to provide thematic expertise on the rights of indigenous peoples. The mechanism will be composed of 5 independent experts and all positions are vacant. Deadline for nominations is 11 April 2008.

Further information may be found in this note verbale from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and on the OHCHR website, which has all of the relevant information including the standardized form for candidates.

Organized by the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues/DSPD/UNDESA

Organized by the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues/DSPD/UNDESA

Friday 11 April 2008
Venue: Conference Room (tbc)
Seminar Objective:

As stipulated by the Economic and Social Council’s resolution (ECOSOC Res. 2000/22), one of the mandates of the United Nations Permanent Forum (Permanent Forum) is to raise the awareness and promote the integration and coordination of activities relating to indigenous peoples’ issues within the United Nations system. In doing so, the Permanent Forum has been working with Member States to advance the understanding of indigenous peoples’ issues and to engage governments and the intergovernmental system in its efforts.

The seminar aims to:
• Raise awareness and understanding of indigenous issues among representatives of Member States,
• Provide information and analysis of substantive and recent work by the Permanent Forum and United Nations agencies on various important indigenous peoples’ issues;
• Enhance communication with governments on indigenous peoples’issues;
• Provide an overview of the forthcoming session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.


Programme

MORNING

Panel on Indigenous Peoples and Climate Change


10.00 - 10.30 Welcome and introduction of participants
Ms. Elsa Stamatopoulou, Chief, the Secretariat of the UNPFII

10.30– 11.00 Overview of 7th Session of Permanent Forum
Ms. Elsa Stamatopoulou, Chief, the Secretariat of the UNPFII


11.00 – 12.00 Panel on the work undertaken by United Nations agencies on Indigenous Peoples and Climate Change

12.00 – 13.00 Discussion


Moderator: Sonia Smallacombe




AFTERNOON

Panel on work undertaken by United Nations agencies on Indigenous Peoples’ Languages

15.00 - 15.30 How indigenous peoples have opened the door of the United Nations?
Tonya Frichner, American Indian Law Alliance.

15.30 - 16.30 Panel on Indigenous Peoples’ Languages

16.30- 17.30 Discussion

17.45- 18.00 Wrap up


Moderator: Elsa Stamatopoulou

SPFII has issued its third review of National Millennium Development Goal Reports. This desk review aims to analyze recent achievements and challenges of indigenous peoples by examining available data contained in a diverse selection of Millennium Development Goals (MDG) country reports.

SPFII has issued its third review of National Millennium Development Goal Reports.
This desk review aims to analyze recent achievements and challenges of indigenous
peoples by examining available data contained in a diverse selection of Millennium
Development Goals (MDG) country reports.

Building upon similar analyses previously undertaken by the Secretariat a total of ten
country reports were reviewed this year from a broad range of countries in which
indigenous peoples live. The reports reviewed are the latest available for each of the
following countries, ranging in date of publication from 2004 to 2007: Guyana (2007),
Kenya (2005), Myanmar (2005), Nepal (2005), Russian Federation (2005), South Africa
(2005), Suriname (2005), Thailand (2004), Vietnam (2005), and Zimbabwe (2004).

Click here to download the whole document (in pdf. format). 

On Wednesday 13th February, the Prime Minister of Australia delivered an historic formal apology to Australia's indigenous peoples for past wrongs. The apology was delivered in Parliament's House of Representatives to members of the Stolen Generation gathered inside Parliament House...

On Wednesday 13th February, the Prime Minister of Australia delivered an historic formal apology to Australia's indigenous peoples for past wrongs. The apology was delivered in Parliament's House of Representatives to members of the Stolen Generation gathered inside Parliament House and to thousands of Australians gathered before huge television screens in all capital cities, TV sets in homes across the nation and on-line news for the many Australian living overseas. The Prime Minister's Speech began with:
"Mr Speaker, I move that today we honour the indigenous peoples of this land, the oldest continuing cultures in human history." Mr Rudd, the Prime Minister also said in this 30 minute speech "We reflect on their past mistreatment, we reflect in particular on the mistreatment of those who were stolen generations - this blemished chapter in our national history. The time has now come for the nation to turn a new page."..."Our nation Australia has reached such a time and that is why the parliament is today here assembled," ... "To deal with this unfinished business of the nation."

For many Australians, this was, and will continue to be a very historical and moving moment in their country.

See also: 

Mick Dodson´s article in the Age

Bringing them Home:  Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families

The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues meets for its annual pre-sessional meeting in Madrid, 12-14 February. Amongst the items of the agenda, is the programme of work for the seventh session of UNPFII, which will be posted on this site as soon as possible.

The United Nations Development Group (UNDG) has adopted guidelines to assist the UN system to mainstream and integrate indigenous peoples´ issues in processes for operational activities and programmes at the country level.

The United Nations Development Group (UNDG) has adopted guidelines to assist the UN system to mainstream and integrate indigenous peoples´ issues in processes for operational activities and programmes at the country level.

These guidelines set out the broad normative, policy and operational framework for implementing a human rights based and culturally sensitive approach to development for and with indigenous peoples, providing lines of action for planning, implementation and evaluation of programmes involving indigenous peoples. Furthermore, the guidelines provide a framework for integrating the principles of cultural diversity into UN country programmes.

This workshop is a collaborative effort between the United Nations University - Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS), Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (SPFII) and North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance.

This workshop is a collaborative effort between the United Nations University - Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS), Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (SPFII) and North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance.

The main objectives of the workshop are to consider:

· the effects of climate change on indigenous peoples;
· adaptation measures to climate change;
· carbon projects and carbon trading; and
· factors that enable or obstruct indigenous peoples’ participation in the climate change processes.

The Expert Group Meeting seeks to draw on the expertise of indigenous peoples, UNPFII members, relevant United Nations agencies, intergovernmental agencies, national and local governments, indigenous peoples' organizations, non-government organizations and academics that are active within the field of climate change.

SPFII has prepared a background paper: Climate Change an Overview

For information about the meeting, please contact the organizers:
Mr Sam Johnston United Nations University - Institute of Advanced Studies, email: johnston@ias.unu.edu

Ms. Sonia Smallacombe, Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, email: smallacombe@un.org

Mr Joe Morrison North Australian Indigenous Land & Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA) Charles Darwin University, Darwin NT, email: joe.morrison@cdu.edu.au

For administrative arrangements, contact Ms. Rahera Noa, United Nations University - Institute of Advanced Studies, email: noa@ias.unu.edu

Click here ti view the documents from the meeting. 

This Expert Group Meeting is being organized in accordance with ECOSOC decision 2007/244, which authorized a three-day international expert group meeting on indigenous languages and requested that the results of the meeting be reported to the Permanent Forum at its seventh session.

Contact: Broddi Sigurdarson email: sigurdarson[at]un.org

Click here to view the documents related to the meeting.

The new Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people is expected to be appointed by the HRC during its 7th session in March 2008.

The new Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people is expected to be appointed by the HRC during its 7th session in March 2008.  

Candidatures may be submitted by Governments, regional groups, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, other human rights bodies, and individuals to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). For further information and a standardized form for candidates go to the OHCHR website.

The Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues wishes you happy holidays. May 2008 bring you and yours peace and happiness, good health and prosperity. Avec nos meilleurs voeux. Felices festividades.

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Chairperson of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Bali, where she is advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples throughout the world.

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Chairperson of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Bali, where she is advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples throughout the world.

On 11 December, at an event on the World Bank Forest Carbon Partnership Facility on, a funding mechanism aimed at preserving forests, Ms. Tauli Corpuz raised a number of concerns, many of which are related to indigenous peoples' negative experiences with similar initatives of the past. She emphasized the the importance of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the principle of free prior and informed consent as the basic frameworks for any initiatives that affect indigenous peoples. Click here to view the entire statement.

At another event, she stated that indigenous peoples are impacted not only by climate change, but also by some of the solutions to it, including carpon sequestration and agrofuel plantations.

On that issue, Ms. Tauli Corpuz and Mr. Parshuram Tamang presented a paper to the Sixth Session of the Permanent Forum, entitled Oil Palm and Other Commercial Tree Plantations, Monocropping: Impacts on Indigenous Peoples’ Land Tenure and Resource Management Systems and Livelihoods.

The Seventh Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues will take place at United Nations Headquarters, in New York, from 21 April to 2 May 2008. The special theme will be "Climate change, bio-cultural diversity and livelihoods: the stewardship role of indigenous peoples and new challenges."

The Seventh Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues will take place at United Nations Headquarters, in New York, from 21 April to 2 May 2008.  The special theme will be "Climate change, bio-cultural diversity and livelihoods: the stewardship role of indigenous peoples and new challenges." 

Pre-registration is open to indigenous peoples' organizations, academic institutions and NGOs with ECOSOC consultative status on the Seventh Session webpage,

The Human Rights Council has decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation on human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people for a period of three years.

Last month the Human Rights Council decided to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation on human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people for a period of three years.

The full text of the mandate is contained in document A/HRC/6/L.26.

On Monday 22 October, the Third Committee of the GA discussed indigenous issues and the Second Decade of the World´s Indigenous People as agenda item 67, under the theme Promotion of human rights.

On Monday 22 October, the Third Committee of the GA discussed indigenous issues and the Second Decade of the World´s Indigenous People as agenda item 67, under the theme Promotion of human rights.

The Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples will also be introduced to the Third Committee on this occasion.

Click here to view an account of the discussions.

The Human Rights Council will undertake its first review session in April 2008, reviewing 16 countries: Bahrain, Ecuador, Tunisia, Morocco, Indonesia, Finland, United Kingdom, India, Brazil, Philippines, Algeria, Poland, Netherlands,South Africa, Czech Republic and Argentina. NGOs and Indigenous Peoples' Organizations wishing to submit pertinent human rights information to the HRC can do so by following the instructions of a recently issued information note from the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights.

The Human Rights Council will undertake its first review session in April 2008, reviewing 16 countries: Bahrain, Ecuador, Tunisia, Morocco, Indonesia, Finland, United Kingdom, India, Brazil, Philippines, Algeria, Poland, Netherlands,South Africa, Czech Republic and Argentina.

NGOs and Indigenous Peoples' Organizationswishing to submit pertinent human rights information to the HRC can do so by following the instructions of a recently issued information note from the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights.

Click here to view the Information Note, which includes background information on the UPR, a list of upcoming UPR sessions and specific information for NGOs wishing to submit information to the HCR. According to the note, a tentative deadline for submissions relating to the first UPR session in April, has been set as 30 October 2007.

The International Workshop on Perspectives of Relationships between Indigenous Peoples and Industrial Companies was held in Salekhard, Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russian Federation on 2 and 3 July 2007.

The International Workshop on Perspectives of Relationships between Indigenous Peoples and Industrial Companies was held in Salekhard, Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russian Federation on 2 and 3 July 2007.

The workshop was co-organized by the Administration of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East (RAIPON) and the Secretariat of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, with support from the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation.

Some 80 persons participated at the workshop, including 13 Members of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, indigenous experts from the Pacific Region, Central and South America, Africa, the Arctic, North America, and the Russian Federation, representatives of 7 companies operating in the Russian Federation, representatives of the Government of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, the Government of the Russian Federation and the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, and representatives of national and international non-governmental organizations. 

Click here to view documents from the Workshop 

The General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples today, Thursday September 13, by a vote of 144 in favour, 4 against and 11 abstensions.

The General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples today, Thursday September 13, by a vote of 143 in favour, 4 against and 11 abstensions.

Message by Victoria Tauli Corpuz, Chairperson of UNPFII

Statement by Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations

Statement by Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs

Statement by Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Chairperson of UNPFII to the General Assembly

Press Release

Coverage of GA meeting and vote

A draft resolution to adopt the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples will be presented at the 107th. plenary meeting of General Assembly on Thursday 13 September. The plenary meeting, in the General Assembly hall begins at 10 a.m. The resolution to adopt the Declaration will be item no. 6 on the agenda.

A draft resolution to adopt the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples will be presented at the 107th. plenary meeting of General Assembly on Thursday 13 September. The plenary meeting, in the General Assembly hall begins at 10 a.m. The resolution to adopt the Declaration will be item no. 6 on the agenda, which is available online in the UN Journal.

The deadline to apply for special passes to attend the meeting passed on September 11. It is not possible to provide UN grounds passes to those who did not apply to SPFII by Septemer 11. However, UN Webcast will be covering the event.

>>>The draft resolution to adopt the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
(This pdf document includes the whole text of the Declaration)
[AR] [EN] [ES] [FR] [RU] [ZH]

All persons who wish to attend, should send their name, organizational affiliation and contacts to the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

The Secretariat of the Forum, in consultation with UN Security and UN Protocol wishes to convey the following information regarding the above:

--All persons who wish to attend, should send their name, organizational affiliation and contacts to the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Ms Luz Aragon, aragonm@un.org the latest by Tuesday, 11 September 2007, noon.

--On the 13^th of September, the General Assembly meeting starts at 10am. Persons wishing to enter and who have given their names beforehand to Ms Aragon, should proceed through the Visitors’ Entrance of the UN Headquarters building on 1^st avenue across from 45^th street. They should go through the white tent through Security and then arrive at the Reception Desk area (please allow at least 30 minutes for this process). In the proximity of the Reception Desk the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues will have a table in order to give out the passes to the persons who have sent their names to us. Please carry your identification card with your picture.

--The item on the Declaration is the third in the sequence of items starting at 10am that day. It is expected that the Declaration discussion will start before noon. It is important for observers to enter the UN building in a timely fashion and take their seats in the General Hall, given the time required to go through Security and accreditation.

--The public will be seated in the Public Gallery on the 4^th floor of the General Assembly Hall.

--Indigenous Chiefs, Elders and Regional Indigenous Caucus Coordinators will also be provided with a special pass and be seated in Section A of the General Assembly Hall on the 2^nd floor. Please inform us of the names of persons who fall under the above category so that we can request the special passes.

MEDIA ARRANGEMENTS: Journalists without UN accreditation who wish to attend the event should follow the instructions for obtaining accreditation at www.un.org/media/accreditation  All journalists, once accredited, who wish to film within the General Assembly Hall must report to the Office of Media Accreditation and Liaison, Room S-250A in the UN Secretariat building beforehand and an officer will escort them to the media booths. 

SPFII has been informed that a delegation from Mexico, Peru and Guatemala met today (Friday August 31) with the global indigenous caucus, delivering the indigenous leadership a revised text which is to be submitted to the General Assembly for adoption on September 13 (date to be confirmed).

SPFII has been informed that a delegation from Mexico, Peru and Guatemala met today (Friday August 31) with the global indigenous caucus, delivering the indigenous representatives a revised Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which is to be submitted to the General Assembly for adoption on 13 September.

This text is based on an agreement reached between the co-sponsors (67 countries) of the Declaration and the African Group of States (53 countries).

Click here to view the revised text of the Declaration.

In May 2007, the Bureau of the Permanent Forum, acting as the Advisory Group for the Trust Fund met to consider 78 project proposals. Of those, 20 were awarded this year. This marks the end of the 2007 cycle and the beginning of the 2008 cycle. The next round of calls for project proposals is now open.

In May 2007, the Bureau of the Permanent Forum, acting as the Advisory Group for the Trust Fund met to consider 78 project proposals. Of those, 20 were awarded this year.

This marks the end of the 2007 cycle and the beginning of the 2008 cycle. The next round of calls for project proposals is now open.

Applications for the next round of Trust Fund grants are open now and the closing deadline is 1 November 2006. There will be no exceptions made for proposals submitted after the deadline.

Click here to read more.

The Secretariat of the Permanent Forum has analyzed the recommendations made by the Forum at its sixth session and has prepared a spreadsheet identifying the distribution of recommendations by addressee (UN Agencies, Member States, NGOs, etc.).

At its Fifth Session, the Permanent Forum appointed a number of its Members as Special Rapporteurs, who were requested to submit papers on specific themes to the Forum at its Sixth Session in May 2007...

At its Fifth Session, the Permanent Forum appointed a number of its Members as Special Rapporteurs, who were requested to submit papers on specific themes to the Forum at its Sixth Session in May 2007. A year later, at its Sixth session, the Permanent Forum recommneded that further analysis be undertaken on the issues discussed in two the two following reports:

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz & Parshuram Tamang Oil Palm and Other Commercial Tree Plantations, Monocropping: Impacts on Indigenous Peoples' Land Tenure and Resource Management Systems and Livelihoods

Michael Dodson Indigenous Traditional Knowledge

Now SPFII is calling for comments and feedback. Click here to read more.

On the occasion of the X Session of the Regional Conference on Women to be held from 6 to 9 August 2007, a special event entitled " Citizenship and Rights of Indigenous and Afro-descendant Women" will be organized by UNDP, UNIFEM, INSTRAW and the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

August 8, 2007, ECLAC

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples: Honoring Indigenous Youth, Languages and Sacred Sites. Thursday August 9, 2007. Venue: United Nations Secretariat Building (Visitor's Entrance at 45th. Street and 1st. Avenue)

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples: Honoring Indigenous Youth, Languages and Sacred Sites. Thursday August 9, 2007.
Venue: United Nations Secretariat Building (Visitor's Entrance at 45th. Street and 1st. Avenue)

Click here to view the programme of events and background information on the International Day of the World´s Indigenous People.

Click here to view the events on UN Webcast

Participants will brief the press on the latest developments regarding the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including the Facilitator's report to the President of the General Assembly. The Declaration is being considered for adoption by the General Assembly during its 61st session.

This meeting, which takes place in Khabarovsk, Russian Federation, 27-29 August 2007, will be hosted by the Government of Khabarovsk, the Association of Indigenous Peoples of the Russian North, Siberia and the Far East (RAIPON) in the Russian Federation and co-organized by the Government of Khabarovsk, RAIPON and the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Ms. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Chairperson of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and Mr. Wilton Littlechild, Member of the Permanent Forum, will brief the press on the outcome and recommendations of this session - which had the special theme of Lands, Territories and Natural Resources - and will provide an update on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Bureau of the Permanent Forum has chosen the artwork made by Rebang Dewan, a Chackma child from Bangladesh, 11 years old as the visual identifier of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

The Bureau of the Permanent Forum has chosen the artwork made by Rebang Dewan, a Chackma child from Bangladesh, 11 years old as the visual identifier of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

At the Second Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (held in 2003) where Indigenous Children was the special theme, the Forum adopted a series of recommendations on indigenous children and also decided to organize an indigenous youth art competition for the design of a logo for the Forum and announced it at the sixth session.

Government nominated members of the Permanent Forum were recently elected by the Economic and Social Council. They will serve for a period of three years, starting 1 January 2008 until 31 December 2010. The newly elected members are:

Government nominated members of the Permanent Forum were recently elected by the Economic and Social Council. They will serve for a period of three years, starting 1 January 2008 until 31 December 2010. The newly elected members are:

ASIAN STATES
Ms Xiaomei Qin (China)
Ms Paimaneh Hasteh (Islamic Republic of Iran)

LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN STATES
Mr. Carlos Mamani Condori (Bolivia)

WESTERN EUROPEAN AND OTHER STATES
Mr. Bartolomé Clavero Salvador (Spain)
Mr. Carsten Smith (Norway)

AFRICAN STATES
Ms Liliane Muzangi Mbela (DRC)
Mr Simeon Adewale Adekanye (Nigeria)

EASTERN EUROPEAN STATES
Mr A A Nikiforov (Russian Federation)

The President of the Economic and Social Council has appointed eight members of the Permanent Forum who will serve for a period of three years, from 1 January 2008 until 31 December 2010. These eight members were nominated by indigenous peoples organizations.

The President of the Economic and Social Council has appointed eight members of the Permanent Forum who will serve for a period of three years, from 1 January 2008 until 31 December 2010. These eight members were nominated by indigenous peoples organizations.

The members are the following:

AFRICA
Mr. Hassan Id Balkassm (Morocco)
Ms. Margaret Lokawua (Uganda)

ASIA
Ms. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz (Philippines)

ARCTIC
Mr. Lars-Anders Baer (Sweden)

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
Ms. Elisa Canqui Mollo (Bolivia)

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE, RUSSIAN FEDERATION, CENTRAL ASIA AND TRANSCAUCAUSIA
Mr. Pavel Sulyandziga (Russian Federation)

NORTH AMERICA
Ms. Tonya Gonella Frischner (United States of America)

PACIFIC
Mr. Michael Dodson (Australia).

The Seminar on How to work with the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues for Memberber States delegates, to be organized by the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (SPFII). April 17, 10:00 - 13:00 and 15:00-18:00 Conference Room 7

The Seminar on “How to work with the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues?” for Member States delegates will be organized by the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (SPFII).

April 17, 10:00 - 13:00 and 15:00-18:00
Conference Room 7

Those delegates of Missions who are interested are invited to register with the Secretariat at the following contacts. The limitation of places is 40 on the basis of first come, first serve.

Tel: 917 367 5100
Fax: 917 367 5102
Email: IndigenousPermanentForum@un.org

Please note pre-registrations for all new Indigenous Peoples' Organizations (IPOs) and Academics who will be attending the UNPFII Session for the first time will close at the end of the day on Wednesday 25th April 2007 .

SPFII has just finished its second review of a select number of MDG Country Reports as per indigenous peoples. The objectives of these reviews are to analyze to what extent indigenous peoples´ issues are addressed included and promoted within the context of the Millennium Development Goals.

SPFII has just finished its second review of a select number of MDG Country Reports as per indigenous peoples. The objectives of these reviews are to analyze to what extent indigenous peoples´ issues are addressed included and promoted within the context of the Millennium Development Goals.

The first issue looked at a number of Reports which were available in English, while the second volume analyzes MDG Country reports from Latin America. The reviews are available on the SPFII Publications page and on the MDG page. 

IFAD and the World Bank have signed an agreement to transfer the Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility to IFAD, which will administer the Facility for the first time this year. The Facility invites applications from indigenous peoples organizations and communities, as well as organizations that work with them, for grants to fund projects, innovative approaches and partnerships that promote the development of indigenous peoples and help them fulfil their aspirations.

A special event, entitled "The Secretary General's Report on Violence Against Women: How can it be used to promote change?" will take place from 1:15-2:45 on Wednesday 7 March in Conference Room 2 at UNHQ.

A special event, entitled "The Secretary General's Report on Violence Against Women: How can it be used to promote change?" will take place from 1:15-2:45 on Wednesday 7 March in Conference Room 2 at UNHQ.

The panel will provide the opportunity to learn more about the Secretary-General’s study on all forms of violence against women, how it can be used to respond to international, national and local demands and to promote approaches by which States should address the issue of violence against women. For example, the International Indigenous Women's Forum (FIMI) developed a companion report to the Secretary General’s study, exploring the many manifestations of violence against Indigenous women and providing important strategies to address it.

Speakers will include:
- Ms. Charlotte Bunch, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Women's Global Leadership at Rutgers University;
- Ms. Monica Alemán, Coordinator of the International Indigenous Forum on Indigenous Issues; and
- Ms. Everjoice Win, International Head of Women’s Rights with Action-Aid International.

Moderated by: Ms. Elsa Stamatopoulou, Chief, Secretariat of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

(Spanish translation will be provided)

This event is jointly sponsored by SPFII, the Center for Women’s Global Leadership; MADRE, an International Women’s Human Rights Organization; the International Indigenous Women's Forum (FIMI); and Amnesty International’s Stop Violence Against Women Campaign.

Click here for more information.

There is a staff vacancy at the Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, for a Social Affairs officer at the P-3 level. The deadline for applications is 23 April 2007. Click on the link below to access the UN Jobs website. From there, you need to find navigate to the vacancies page. The post is under the Social Affairs grouping.

Informal pre-sessional meeting for Sixth Session of Forum The Government of China will host the 2007 informal pre-sessional meeting of the Sixth Session of the Forum in Beijing, China, from 19 to 21 March 2007. This is the second time that a member State of the United Nations generously offers the hosting of an informal pre-sessional meeting of the Forum prior to its annual session in May. The 2006 pre-sessional meeting was held in Nuuk, Greenland, from 13 to 14 February 2006 and hosted by the Greenlandic Home Rule Government with the support of the Danish Government.

SPFII have begun to scan the Study of the Problem of Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations, submitted by the Special Rapporteur, Mr. José R. Martínez Cobo. The Report, commonly known as the Martinez Cobo Study was published in 1981-1983 and has not been available in electronic form, until now...

SPFII have begun to scan the Study of the Problem of Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations, submitted by the Special Rapporteur, Mr. José R. Martínez Cobo. The Report, commonly known as the Martinez Cobo Study was published in 1981-1983 and has not been available in electronic form, until now...

We at SPFII hope that the whole report will be available online in the coming weeks and months in English, and a bit later in Spanish and French. The Conclusions and Recommendations are already available here.

In January 2007, the UN Development Group (which brings together all UN system agencies, funds and programmes dealing with development) adopted the revised Guidelines for the UN Common Country Assessment and Development Assistance Framework (known as "CCA/UNDAF Guidelines"). We are pleased that the new Guidelines include 15 references to indigenous peoples.

In January 2007, the UN Development Group (which brings together all UN system agencies, funds and programmes dealing with development) adopted the revised Guidelines for the UN Common Country Assessment and Development Assistance Framework (known as "CCA/UNDAF Guidelines"). We are pleased that the new Guidelines include 15 references to indigenous peoples. 

Click here to view the Guidelines.

The Secretariat for UNPFII has received over 35 nominations from indigenous organizations for UNPFII membership for the period 2008-2010.

Pre-registration is now open for participation at the Sixth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Pre-registration is now open for participation at the Sixth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

For more information, go to the Sixth Session page.

In December, the Economic and Social Council decided that the Sixth Session of the UNPFII will take place from 14 to 25 May 2007 in New York. The draft agenda for the Sixth Session is available in the Report of the fifth session, and is also available here below.

In December, the Economic and Social Council decided that the Sixth Session of the UNPFII will take place from 14 to 25 May 2007 in New York. The draft agenda for the Sixth Session is available in the Report of the fifth session, and is also available here below.

Provisional agenda and documentation for the sixth session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

1. Election of officers.

2. Adoption of the agenda and organization of work.

3. Special theme: territories, lands and natural resources.

4. Implementation of recommendations on the six mandated areas of the
Permanent Forum and on the Millennium Development Goals:
(a) Economic and social development;
(b) Environment;
(c) Health;
(d) Education;
(e) Culture;
(f) Human rights;
(g) Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People.

5. Human rights: dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of
human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people.

6. Half-day discussion on Asia.

7. Half-day discussion on urban indigenous peoples and migration.

8. Ongoing priorities and themes, and follow-up: Data collection and disaggregation (2004).

9. Future work of the Permanent Forum including emerging issues.

10. Draft agenda for the seventh session of the Permanent Forum.

11. Adoption of the report of the Permanent Forum on its sixth session.

This workshop has been organized in accordance with the recommendation of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at its Fifth which states: "The UNPFII recommends a three-day international expert group meeting on the Convention on Biological Diversity international regime on access and benefit-sharing and indigenous peoples´rights with the participation of representatives from the United Nations system, and five members of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and invites other interested intergovernmental organizations, experts from indigenous organizations, and interested Member States to participate as well, and requests that the results of the meeting be reported to the Permanent Forum at its sixth session in May 2007."

UN Headquarters, New York
17-19 January, 2007

This workshop has been organized in accordance with the recommendation of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at its Fifth which states:

“The UNPFII recommends a three-day international expert group meeting on the Convention on Biological Diversity international regime on access and benefit-sharing and indigenous peoples’ rights with the participation of representatives from the United Nations system, and five members of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and invites other interested intergovernmental organizations, experts from indigenous organizations, and interested Member States to participate as well, and requests that the results of the meeting be reported to the Permanent Forum at its sixth session in May 2007”.

A. OBJECTIVES OF THE WORKSHOP

The Expert Group Meeting is intended to:

• Promote an opportunity to evaluate current negotiation and agreement-making practices in terms of effective participation of indigenous peoples and their ability to produce outcomes which adequately take into account indigenous peoples’ concerns and rights;
• Promote an opportunity to exchange information of ABS processes currently operating in various regions that take into account the rights of indigenous peoples;
• Promote an opportunity to formulate benchmarks for agreement-making and;
• Highlight good practice models;
• Identify gaps and challenges and a possible way forward.

B. PROPOSED THEMES FOR DISCUSSION

Four major themes of discussion are proposed as follows:

Theme 1: International Standards and policies on agreement-making with reference to indigenous peoples.

Theme 2: Areas in which indigenous peoples’ participation is relevant to any ABS arrangements.

Theme 3: Factors that enable or obstruct indigenous peoples’ participation in the CDB processes.

Theme 4: Good examples of indigenous participation in negotiating ABS processes in other arenas.

Click here to view the documents of the Expert Group Meeting 

Indigenous peoples would have joyfully celebrated the International Human Rights Day this year if the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the General Assembly before the end of 2006. Unfortunately, the decision of the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly on November 28th, 2006, to defer the adoption of the Declaration has weakened the meaning of this day.

Indigenous peoples would have joyfully celebrated the International Human Rights Day this year if the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the General Assembly before the end of 2006. Unfortunately, the decision of the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly on November 28th, 2006, to defer the adoption of the Declaration has weakened the meaning of this day.

At the Fifth Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues the shared expectation of indigenous peoples, of the UN system and of the Permanent Forum was for the adoption of the Declaration by the General Assembly, as had also been the call of Heads of State at the World Summit in 2005. The Permanent Forum thus adopted the following recommendation at its session in May 2006:

The Permanent Forum is convinced that a declaration on the rights of
indigenous peoples will be an instrument of great value through which to advance
the rights and aspirations of the world’s indigenous peoples. The Permanent Forum therefore recommends the adoption without amendments of the draft declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples … by the General Assembly during its sixty-first session in 2006. This would represent a major achievement for the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People.

To the credit of the newly established Human Rights Council, it adopted this Declaration in June 29, 2006, at its First Session. All the regional caucuses of indigenous peoples spoke with one voice and echoed the resolution of the Human Rights Council that this be adopted by the General Assembly at its 2006 Fall Session.

Click here to read the full statement.

Press conference by indigenous leaders and human rights advocates to discuss the United Nations Declaration on the Rights on Indigenous Peoples regarding its significance, status and future. 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, 12 December, 2006 Room S-226, United Nations Headquarters, New York.

Press conference by indigenous leaders and human rights advocates to discuss the United Nations Declaration on the Rights on Indigenous Peoples regarding its significance, status and future.

11:00 a.m., Tuesday, 12 December, 2006
Room S-226, United Nations Headquarters, New York.

Speakers included Mr. Roberto Borrero, Indigenous Peoples' Caucus; Ms. Alison Graham, International Service for Human Rights and Mr. Phil Fontaine, National Chief, Assembly of First Nations. Discussion moderated by Ms. Elsa Stamatopoulou, Chief, Secretariat of United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues/DSPD/DESA.

Sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Mexico to the United Nations and the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Click here to view the press conference on webcast

Click here to read the briefing on the press conference